andMr. P. Browne asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the grave anxiety of the people of Waterford regarding the provision of a paediatric unit at Ardkeen Hospital, he will ask the South-Eastern Health Board to advertise for the required staff immediately.

My Department has made my views on this question clear to the South-Eastern Health Board and have urged that they should proceed with the making of a consultant appointment and the rearrangement of accommodation at the hospital to enable a consultant in-patient service in paediatrics to be established without delay. I believe the board are also anxious to make progress in the provision of this important service.