asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if the establishment of a general central hospital for West Cork, where urgent and major surgical cases could be attended to, was sanctioned by the Minister after examination by his medical and engineering inspectors; and if Bantry was selected and approved as the most suitable location for such hospital; and if the Minister will say when it is proposed to give practical effect to the plans thus sanctioned.

I would refer the Deputy to the reply to his question of the 8th May, 1941. There has been no change in the position since then.

Has the Parliamentary Secretary considered the large number of patients transported over long distances for major operations, and does he not agree that the necessity exists for a central hospital in Bantry?

There is no difference of opinion between the Department and the local authority as to the need for a central hospital at Bantry. The principle of providing it was approved many years ago, but the local authority so far has failed to take any effective steps. I do not think it would be possible to take effective steps to provide a hospital for Bantry under existing conditions, partly due to the fact that money may not be available now from Hospitals Trust funds to make a substantial grant towards the project, and partly due to the fact that building materials and supplies are not available.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary not take any steps to see that the local authority will do something?

At the moment, I do not see that any effective steps can be taken.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary say that the initiative in the matter must be taken by the local authority?

Certainly.