asked the Minister for Health his Department's plans for the provision of a new health centre in Swords, County Dublin, to cater for the present and projected population in the area.

The provision of a new health centre in Swords is initially a matter for the Eastern Health Board and that board have not submitted proposals regarding the provision of such a centre to my Department.

Recognising the fact that it is primarily a problem for the Eastern Health Board, surely the Parliamentary Secretary would have some comment to make on the fact that a new health centre is needed in view of the massive increase in population that has taken place in that area over the past few years?

The information obtained from the board shows that they have long-term proposals for the provision of a health centre in Swords and are at present looking for a suitable site there. Swords is not on the priority list.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary make representations to the Eastern Health Board to have Swords included on the priority list because of the growth in population and because of the nature of the population which consists in the main of young married couples and young children? A new health centre is very badly needed.

I will consider the matter and discuss it with the board.