asked the Minister for Health if he will state (a) what progress has been made with the proposal to provide additional accommodation for the nursing staff of the sanatorium at Newcastle, County Wicklow; (b) whether the acquisition of the site has been completed, and (c) when the structural alterations to the residence will be begun.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on this subject on the 15th June.

The planning of the permanent staff home is proceeding. A site for this building is available on the sanatorium lands.

A house near the sanatorium has been acquired for the accommodation of some of the nursing staff. The structural alterations required are of a minor nature and should not delay the arrangements for occupation, which are almost completed.