asked the Minister for Health what the position at present is in respect of the proposed county hospital at Letterkenny, County Donegal, and if he is in a position to indicate when it is proposed to commence construction work.

It is proposed to build a new county hospital, with accommodation for 70 to 80 beds at Letterkenny. The applications made to the local authority for the post of architect for the work were received in my Department on 22nd of this month.

It is not possible at this stage to indicate when construction work can commence, but I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to expedite the examination of the necessary plans and other documents when received in due course.