asked the Minister for Health if he will state the reason for the delay in giving sanction for the proposed extension to the maternity hospital in Trim, County Meath.

The position of the Hospitals Trust Fund in relation to its existing commitments has become so serious that I have been obliged to undertake a review of the whole future building programme. This review will necessarily take some time and until it has been completed I shall not be in a position to arrive at a decision on the proposed extension to the maternity hospital in Trim.

Is the Minister aware that his predecessor promised that he would sanction the erection of this rather important building which should have been commenced about the 1st April last, and that he also promised a grant of £5,000 towards the erection?

The position is that the financial circumstances have substantially changed even since my predecessor dealt with this matter.

Would the Minister say if the decision with regard to this hospital will apply to others?

It will apply to all until I am satisfied that we can give an undertaking we shall be able to fulfil commitments.