asked the Minister for Health when the proposed upgrading of Mallow County Hospital is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Senior officers of my Department visited Mallow Hospital in January and discussed the needs of the hospital with the appropriate authorities. Further consultations will take place with the health board with a view to having such joint staffing arrangements between that hospital and Cork city hospitals as envisaged in the announcement of the general hospital plan last October.

What plan?

The plan the Deputy announced he likes and does not like; that some of his colleagues like while others do not like but on which we are agreed.

Wait until the £80 million comes.