asked the Minister for Health when the new unit for girls at St. Mary's, Drumcar, County Louth will be opened; and the reasons for the delay.
Written Answers. - Louth Hospital.
500.
The question of when this unit can be brought into operation will depend on the availability of resources for the commissioning of new units of accommodation in the mental handicap service. I am not, therefore, in a position to state when the unit will be open.
The Deputy is, I am sure, aware that the Government made a special exemption in the case of St. Mary's, Drumcar, earlier this year when the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God received approval for the recruitment of 14 additional nursing and housekeeping staff to facilitate the movement of residents within St. Raphael's Unit and the continuation of upgrading works in the unit.