asked the Minister for Education when tenders will be sought for the erection of a new dental hospital in Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Dental Hospital.
89.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of the erection of a new dental hospital in Cork has to be considered in the context of the provision to be made for dental education in the country as a whole. I hope to be in a position to make a statement in the matter in the near future.
Is the Minister aware of the frustration being caused to staff and students by delaying this announcement? Will he assure the House and those people that the dental hospital in Cork will be started with all possible haste on the site provided?
Mr. R. Burke
I met many deputations with regard to this matter. I was made aware of the frustration on my visit to Cork. There will be no delay in implementing the decision in the matter. I am not yet in a position to state what the position will be.
Does the Minister realise the seriousness and urgency in regard to this decision? Is the Minister aware that in the new regional hospital at Wilton provision has been made for staff and accommodation and that accommodation is now superfluous? Some of it will be superfluous unless a decision is taken to build a hospital on that site.
Mr. R. Burke
The decision not to go ahead was made in 1971. The problem to which the Deputy refers has been with us for a number of years. The frustration should not increase simply because I have been in office for the past year.
Surely the Minister can make his own decisions?
Would the Minister give the date in 1971?
Mr. R. Burke
If the Deputy puts down a specific question about the date I will be delighted to give him the date.
Who was Minister in 1971?
Mr. R. Burke
The arrangements for a new dental hospital had reached an advanced stage at the end of 1971. In December the HEA authority presented their report. Following on that, a decision was taken to go ahead.
When was the decision taken?
Mr. R. Burke
I will give the Deputy specific information if he puts down a question next week.
Would the Minister agree it was not in 1971 but in 1972?
Mr. R. Burke
The end of 1971, or January, 1972.
Would the Minister not agree that the big problem about the Cork Dental Hospital at the moment is the fear of a brain drain? The most highly-qualified people will go if a decision is not made.
A similar question was put to the Minister last October. The Minister was asked in a supplementary question about the expected date of the decision. I questioned the Minister closely and he said it would be in the near future and within a few months. The Minister is saying the same thing today.
Mr. R. Burke
This is only February 28th.