asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the St. Kevin's Institution is surrounded by a wall which gives it the atmosphere and appearance of a gaol, and if he is prepared to have considered the removal of this obnoxious legacy of the former English poor law system.

I am aware that St. Kevin's Institution is surrounded by a wall, which I agree is very unsightly. I understand that the former commissioner considered the question of the removal of this wall, but decided that for various reasons it was not feasible to remove it at present. I will, however, have the matter brought to the notice of the board of assistance, which is now the responsible authority.

Is the Minister aware that plans were approved some eight years ago for the removal of the walls referred to in the question and, further, that additional plans were submitted at a recent meeting and approved of?

I am not aware that plans have been submitted for the removal of the wall in question.

Will the Minister at least see that the matter is reconsidered at an early date?

As I said in reply to the question, I will bring the matter to the notice of the responsible authorities.

asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the advisability of using St. Kevin's Institution solely as a municipal hospital and if, with that end in view, he will have arrangements made for the accommodation of able-bodied inmates elsewhere.

I am very anxious to see St. Kevin's Hospital developed as a first-class municipal hospital and I have taken measures with this in view. A site has been acquired for the provision of a home for able-bodied persons but owing to the heavy financial commitments arising out of the reorganisation of the institution and the greater importance and urgency of this work and having regard also to the shortage of building materials and skilled labour for the very heavy housing and hospitals programme this proposal cannot be proceeded with at present.

Is it not a fact that the site which the Minister states he has acquired was acquired long before the change of Government and all the Minister has done is to hear proposals for the removal of the able-bodied inmates from St. Kevin's to the buildings which are going to be erected on the new site?

If the Deputy had listened to my reply he would have heard me say a site has been acquired.

I understood the Minister to say—perhaps I misunderstood the Minister and, if so, I apologise—that he had acquired a site. The site was acquired long before the Minister became a Minister.