Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
The Western Health Board submitted a report on the tenders for the interim works at University College Hospital, Galway, to my Department in September 1996, following the completion of the detailed planning process for this project. The Department completed its assessment of the report during that month, and a submission seeking the sanction of the Minister for Finance to the acceptance of the recommended tenders was sent to the Department of Finance in late September, in accordance with the procedures specified for projects of this size. This submission is currently the subject of correspondence and discussions between the two Departments.
The capital funding required for this project will depend on several factors that are difficult to assess accurately in advance, and it is not possible to give a precise figure at this stage. Adequate provision for the project will be made in the capital programme for 1997 and subsequent years.