asked the Minister for Health if complaints have been made to him by public representatives and private individuals concerning the demolition of part of Midleton Hospital, County Cork; if he will ensure that the demolition is discontinued pending the investigation of the complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have not received any such complaints. The position is that one block of the old county home at Midleton was in a bad state of repair. It was also a fire hazard and involved a heavy maintenance liability. The patients have been transferred to new welfare home accommodation.

The Southern Health Board recently applied for planning permission for the demolition of the block mentioned and I see no reason to interfere with their decision.