asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the amount of money spent on (a) hospital improvements, including new works, in County Clare; (b) improvements to the County Home in Ennis and Nursery in Kilrush, since the amalgamation of workhouses in 1920.

The replies are as follows:—(a) (1) improvements have just been completed at Kilrush Hospital, cost £9,480 19s. 8d. (2) A house purchased in the neighbourhood of Scariff for use as a hospital, cost £9,450. (3) Works are being carried out at County Hospital—the contract price is £7,000. (4) New works are contemplated at Ennistymon Hospital. The cost has not yet been ascertained, plans, etc. not having been finally prepared.

(b) Large works of improvements are contemplated at the County Home, Ennis. They have not yet been undertaken.

There may have been minor works of improvement carried out at these two institutions as well as at the hospitals. Particulars concerning these are not available in the Department, but might be obtained, if desired, from the Secretary, Clare Board of Health and Public Assistance.