I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.
The provision of health services in the Kilkenny area is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. It is understood from the South Eastern Health Board that a project team has been established and that they have completed the preparation of the planning brief. This will be incorporated into the overall planning and development of the St. Luke's Hospital site.
The community hospital will provide respite, step down, convalescent and some intermediate to long stay beds to meet the needs of Kilkenny city. The first phase will include a 20 bed rehabilitation assessment/discharge unit, ten bed elderly assessment unit, day hospital and rehabilitation therapy facility. It is understood from the board that it is expected that work on the composite planning brief will be completed by the end of this year.