asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be reached on the provision of a regional hospital for the South East Regional Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South East Regional Hospital.
10.
The question of the location of the proposed general hospital for the south-eastern region as envisaged in the FitzGerald Report. must await detailed examination by the South Eastern Health Board in consultation with the various local interests concerned. The matter will then have to be further considered by the appropriate Regional Hospital Board and Comhairle na nOspidéal, when the latter two bodies have been established. Because of the large capital investment involved, the final decision on the siting of the general hospital for the area will be taken by myself, in the light of the advice available from the different bodies mentioned. It is not possible to say at this stage precisely when a final decision can be reached.
Could the Minister give any indication as to when the South East Regional Health Board will give consideration to this problem?
I cannot give any indication.
Will it be one year, two years, three years or ten years.
At least one year anyway.