asked the Minister for Health if he will ascertain from the Kerry health section of the Southern Health Board why an applicant (name supplied) for admittance to the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Cork has not been called since his application in June, 1974, although he is suffering intense pain and discomfort; and the reason for the delay.

Inquiries have been made about the patient referred to by the Deputy, who is awaiting admission to the hospital for an eye operation. I am informed that there is a waiting period of around 12 months for non-urgent eye operations in this hospital but if the case is certified to be urgent by the patient's doctor the hospital are prepared to arrange for early admission.

A second operating theatre is being constructed at the hospital at present. When this comes into use in a few months' time it is expected to reduce the waiting lists. I might mention that the new Cork Regional Hospital, which is under construction at present, will contain 20 ophthalmic beds.