asked the Minister for Health if he will receive a deputation from Laois County Council with the County Manager in connection with the proposed closing of St. Brigid's Sanatorium, Shaen, Portlaoighise; and, if in view of the wishes of the local people that it should not be closed, the institution in question can be left open to cater for T.B. patients.

The request from the Laois County Council that I should receive a deputation was received in my Department only on 16th instant and I have not yet had an opportunity of considering it. I shall do so at the earliest possible date and will communicate without delay with the Council.