asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to grant approval to the North Western Health Board for the opening of Saint Joseph's Retreat, Cloonamahon, Collooney, County Sligo, as a centre for the mentally handicapped.

The proposal of the North Western Health Board to establish a special home for the mentally handicapped at Cloonamahon, County Sligo is still under consideration but I expect to be in a position to give a decision on it shortly.

Can the Minister say whether he or the health board for the area make the decisions?

Decisions are made by the health boards with the Local Appointments Commission.

I thought I heard the Minister say that he expects to give a decision shortly.

This will not necessarily be my decision. The appointments go through the Local Appointments Commission.