asked the Minister for Health whether the actual building of the new 1,000-bed sanatorium in County Dublin has begun yet; and if so, when it is expected that it will be ready.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Dublin Sanatorium.
Possession of the site was not obtained until the 30th November. Before the plans can be completed the site must be surveyed and contoured in order to determine the location of the various buildings, roads, water mains, sewers, ducts and electric cables. This survey is in progress.
Do I take it from what the Minister has said that the building has not yet begun?
The building has not yet begun.
What is the answer to the second part of the question? When is it expected that it will be completed?
The whole building completed?
Yes.
It will be some years.
Will the Minister make some provision in the meanwhile for people for whom no proper treatment is afforded?
As I have stated in the Dáil, we have provided within the last 12 months for 640 additional beds in Dublin.
The Minister will agree that there are a great many people throughout the country awaiting treatment. I understand the Minister says it will be several years before this sanatorium will be completed. Will he take steps to have adequate alternative provisions made in the meanwhile either by clearing military barracks or some luxury hotels?
Every possible step is being taken. We have added on to all the existing hospitals as many beds as possible and as quickly as possible. I do not know what the Deputy means by luxury hotels. An institution, which might come under that heading, is being considered at the moment.