asked the Minister for Health when he will sanction the new welfare home at Newcastle, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Approval to the provision of a 40-bed welfare home at Newcastle, Galway, was given in 1973 and tenders for the project were received by the Western Health Board in March, 1974. Tendering prices, however, were far in excess of the aproved cost plan for the project and also in excess of tender prices being received for some similar homes in other areas. The scheme is at present being reviewed by the health board's professional advisers with a view to reducing the cost. It is expected that the matter will be resolved very shortly and that work on the project will then commence.