asked the Minister for Health if he will state when final sanction will be given to proceed with the building of hospitals at Carrickmacross and Clones.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Hospitals.
I have received no proposals for the building of hospitals at Carrickmacross and Clones. What I assume the Deputy has in mind is a proposal which I have approved in principle for the conversion of the fever hospitals at Clones and Carrickmacross into district hospitals when the old sanatorium at Monaghan is converted into a central fever hospital for the county. It is obvious that the conversion work at both Carrickmacross and Clones cannot be undertaken until the work on the old sanatorium at Monaghan is completed and it is ready for the transfer of fever patients from these two institutions. The planning of that work is proceeding and an estimate of cost was recently submitted by the local authority. I am having the matter examined in the light of this estimate with a view to determining how the conversion can be carried out most economically and to the best advantage, and I hope to communicate with the local authority shortly.
Would the Minister be good enough to expedite this matter? For over three years now the people are waiting for the renovation of the old sanatorium as a temporary fever hospital. The conditions there at present are very bad and I would ask the Minister if he would kindly expedite the matter.
I shall certainly undertake to see that the Deputy's representations are conveyed to the Department.