asked the Minister for Health when work on the proposed new St. Laurence's Hospital, Cabra, Dublin will commence.

It is not possible to say when a definite decision can be given in regard to the St. Laurence's Hospital project since, apart from the fact that no moneys are as yet available for the purpose, the future status of this Hospital is under consideration.

9.

asked the Minister for Health if he will state in regard to the proposed new St. Laurence's Hospital at Cabra, Dublin the total amount of fees paid to date to each of the consulting architects and other consultant surveyors, if any, in connection with the planning of the new hospital.

The amount of the fees paid to the consultants in connection with this project totals £44,170, made up as follows:—

Is the £14,000 for architects' fees in respect of one or two separate and distinct architects in this connection?

It is one architect in this connection.

Could I ask the Minister if the £14,000 is in respect of the first firm of architects in connection with this proposed hospital, or the second firm?

The £14,000 is in respect of the present project, that is to say, it is being paid to the person who is at present retained by the Governors of the hospital as architects.

I asked for the total amount paid to architects and consultants; I have got a reply in respect of the present architects only. I shall put down a second question if the Minister is not prepared to answer my question now.

I can save the Deputy the trouble—the figure is £5,000.

To the first firm of architects?

Yes.

And £14,000 to the second architect?

Yes. The Board of Governors exercised their rights and changed their architects.

I am in the wrong business.

Is this the hospital that replaces the group of hospitals to which the Richmond belonged?

Yes.