asked the Minister for Health when work will commence on the construction of the extension to Letterkenny County Hospital, County Donegal.
109.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Hospitals.
108.
asked the Minister for Health the earliest date on which building operations will commence on the new hospital in Donegal.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
With regard to Letterkenny County Hospital the health board's proposal for the acceptance of a tender for the work of extending the X-Ray and Out-Patients' Departments has been under examination in my Department. The amount of the tender exceeds by a fairly substantial sum the cost estimated for the scheme. My professional advisers are in consultation with the health board's advisers with a view to effecting the necessary economies. It is hoped that this question will be resolved in the near future.
With regard to the scheme for the new hospital in Donegal my Department approved of a tender some time ago. The health board has recently indicated, however, that the successful contractor has withdrawn his tender and that the next lowest tender was being considered. I would assure the Deputy that when the health board's further proposals are received in my Department they will be examined as quickly as possible.