asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the increasing necessity for an orthopaedic hospital for County Cork and the surrounding counties, due to the lack of accommodation for certain cases in existing institutions: if he has received representations from the South Cork Board of Public Assistance as to the urgent need for an orthopaedic hospital; and if, in view of these representations as to urgency, he will recommend the necessary funds for the provision of this specialised hospital accommodation.

The general provision for the treatment of orthopaedic cases has not yet been finally decided upon, and I am not at present in a position to state what form the provision will take. Special attention is being given to the question by the Hospitals Commission.