asked the Minister for Health when funds will be provided so that a welfare home can be provided in the Ballinrobe area, County Mayo, as approved by the Western Health Board in 1978.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballinrobe(Mayo) Welfare Home.
9.
The Western Health Board have inspected a number of sites in the Ballinrobe area and their suitability for a welfare home is at present being examined. Finance for the project will depend upon the total finances available to the board for capital purposes and the priority that can be accorded to it in relation to other projects in the board's area.
Would the Minister agree that in this area in County Mayo there is a great need for the provision of a welfare home? Perhaps it is the one area in the county left without such a facility. Would he also agree that the Western Health Board are quite willing to proceed with the work if the Minister will make the necessary finances available? Would he give a commitment that, if and when the site is finally agreed with the Department, he will provide the money?
The latest information from the board dated 31 January is that a number of sites are being inspected and an examination for suitability is being carried out. A tentative estimate of the project has been put at £450,000. I look forward to hearing from the CEO of the Western Health Board about the site. Knowing his resourcefulness I am sure he will come up with some proposition which will meet the Deputy's wishes.
Could I try to pin the Minister down even to a partial commitment in this case? If a suitable site is found and made available, will the Minister give a commitment that he will make money available for the project?
I am reluctant to make a commitment because there would be no better men than the Deputy and the CEO to hang it around my neck for all time to come. I will look at it with every sympathy when I get the report.
Did the Minister say he will look at it with sympathy?
Yes, when I get the report from the CEO. I want to find out what it will cost.
I think I got to first base on that one.
The Chair has no views on that.
I was worried about second base.