asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the opposition expressed in the area, he will have the proposal to close the Carrick-on-Shannon hospital reviewed.

In accordance with a hospitalisation programme adopted in 1944 by the Leitrim County Council which is the health authority responsible for the maintenance of Carrick-on-Shannon District Hospital, it was decided to close the hospital with effect from 31st March, 1954. Subsequently a sworn inquiry into the proposal to close the hospital was ordered by my predecessor in office. The inquiry was held in May, 1954. I carefully considered all the evidence tendered at the inquiry and the report of the inspector who held the inquiry, and I decided after most careful deliberation that the earlier decision by the council to close the hospital should stand. Accordingly, I made an Order closing the hospital with effect from 1st April next.

I received, a few days ago, a representative deputation from the Carrick-on-Shannon area, the members of which protested against the closing of the hospital. The views expressed by the members of the deputation are at present receiving consideration by me.