asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a deputation was received in his Department over 12 months ago regarding the making of a grant for the extension and equipment of the Birr Hospital; and if he will state when the grant for this purpose will be made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr Hospital Grant.
I am aware that the deputation referred to was received and it is proposed to carry out the undertaking then given that a grant would be made available from sweepstake funds towards the cost of providing suitable hospital accommodation at Birr. A proposal for the provision of a new hospital at Birr, instead of an extension of the existing institution, has been submitted by the local authority. The examination of this project has necessarily involved considerable time, but it has now been decided to allow this scheme to proceed and an intimation to this effect is being conveyed to the local authority. The grant will be made available when the work is commenced and will be paid in instalments as the work progresses.
Arising out of the reply, of course the Minister is aware that I happened to be one of the deputation which went to him 12 months ago; that we were told that there was to be a country hospital on a site already approved by the Minister at Tullamore, with 70 beds; a district hospital in Birr with 30 beds; and a district hospital in Edenderry with 30 beds. As 12 months have elapsed since then. I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he will proceed with the schemes as soon as possible for providing this hospital accommodation.