asked the Minister for Health when work will commence on the building of the new hospital to replace Ardkeen General Hospital, County Waterford.
82.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - County Waterford New Hospital.
81.
asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the Government intend to sanction the building of a new hospital to replace the present Ardkeen General Hospital, Waterford; if he will also confirm that the Government will provide moneys for the building of the new hospital in the 1983 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together. No provision was made for this scheme in the 1982 Capital Programme published by the previous Government so it was not possible to proceed with this project in the current year. I can confirm that it is my intention and the intention of the present Government to provide a new hospital to replace the present Ardkeen General Hospital.
As Deputies are aware the Government's economic plan which was published recently sets out the level of capital expenditure which it is envisaged will be available for the health services programme in the five years commencing on 1 January 1983. The development of Ardkeen Hospital is included in this programme and I am at present considering the time scale for this and other capital projects in the plan.