asked the Minister for Health the date on which he received a proposal from Kerry County Council to convert St. Joseph's Hospital, Listowel, now being closed as a T.B. centre, to a convalescent surgical unit of the county hospital; whether this proposal is acceptable; and, if not, what alternative use as a hospital or home he proposes for this hospital.

The Kerry County Council intimated, by letter dated 25th February, 1960, that they proposed to convert St. Joseph's Tuberculosis Hospital, Listowel, into a post-operative wing of the County Hospital, Tralee, when it was vacated by tuberculosis patients on 1st April 1960. I considered that the Hospital, which is 20 miles away from the surgical centre, was not suitable for that purpose, and I informed the local authority accordingly.

The future use of St. Joseph's Hospital is a matter for consideration by the local authority in the first instance and I shall be prepared to consider any reasonable proposals which may be submitted.