I propose to take Questions Nos. 514, 515 and 518 together.
The Chair of the Non-Executive Advisory Board for the Reconfiguration of Acute Hospital Services in Cork and Kerry made a final report to me last month, and in that context, I am aware that the Board has recommended the development of a new elective hospital for Cork which would amalgamate Mercy and South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospitals. It was recommended that the hospital should be built in a modular fashion, over a 10 to 15 year period. My Department's view is that any such development is very much a long term aspiration, and the need for same will have to be prioritised by the HSE in the context of other capital requirements around the country. In the first instance however, it will be a matter for the South/South West Hospital Group to consider the recommendation.