asked the Minister for Health if he will state the reason for the recent stoppage of work on the construction of the new orthopaedic hospital at Kilcreene, Kilkenny, and what action it is proposed to take to ensure that patients will be admitted for treatment at an early date.

I understand that due to certain difficulties encountered by the building contractor there has recently been a stoppage of work on this project. I am informed that work has now been resumed and it is hoped that it will proceed to completion without a further hitch.