asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what is the cause of the delay in proceeding with the building of the County Hospital, Longford; if he is aware that there are many suitable sites available as well as the one in respect of which an inquiry has been held recently; that there is considerable unemployment in the town and district of Longford and that the work of building the hospital and preparing a site would give much relief to these persons who are out of work there.

There has been no avoidable delay in dealing with this matter. A local inquiry has been held in respect of the compulsory acquisition order made by the Board of Health and Public Assistance and the report of the inspector is at present under consideration. The suitability of the alternative sites available will also be considered. While it is appreciated that the carrying out of the work would relieve local unemployment the primary consideration at present is the suitability of the site for the erection of the hospital. A decision on this matter will be conveyed to the Board at the earliest possible date.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, can the Minister give any idea of approximately when?

I would not say for certain—probably in a few weeks.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, when he comes to consider the alternative sites, will he follow the precedent set in the case of the County Roscommon Hospital and express his preference for a site which is adjacent to the local graveyard?

Does the Deputy desire that to be done?

Is the Minister aware that a great deal more employment would be given by the choice of a site other than the one suggested by the local authority?

I hope that the Minister will bear the graveyard in mind.

Unfortunately, I always do bear the graveyard in mind.

Does the Minister mean the graveyard of political reputations?