asked the Minister for Health if he will state how many tuberculosis patients have been admitted to Ardkeen sanatorium, County Waterford, from Cork City and County up to 1st November, 1952.

Up to 1st November, 1952, 24 patients (male) had been admitted to Ardkeen Chest Hospital, and 4 patients (female) to St. Carthage's Hospital, Lismore, from Cork County and City. St. Carthage's Hospital, Lismore, is being administered in conjunction with Ardkeen Chest Hospital. In addition to the 28 beds occupied by these patients, 26 beds (25 in Ardkeen Chest Hospital and 1 in St. Carthage's) had on that date been allocated for early occupation to the area referred to and presumably the health authorities concerned are taking the necessary steps to fill these beds.