asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need for a health centre in the Finglas West/Finglas South area of Dublin; and if he will indicate when this essential service will be provided.

I am aware of the need for a health centre in the Finglas West/Finglas South area of Dublin. The Eastern Health Board are in negotiation with the Dublin Corporation for the acquisition of a suitable site at Cardiffsbridge for the proposed health centre. The extent of the accommodation and the services to be provided in the centre is being examined in my Department. It is not possible, at present, to indicate when the centre will be provided.

Would the Minister indicate whether any financial provision has been made in respect of this much-needed centre?

I do not think so. The total cost would be in the region of £400,000. There is still disagreement as to what the purchase price of the site would be. Dublin Corporation agreed to make available a site of one acre at a price of £30,000. That is regarded as being unreasonable and is being examined by the Valuation Office.

My understanding from Dublin Corporation was that they had made the site available. I thought the problem here rested with the Eastern Health Board.

Dublin Corporation agreed to make the site available at £30,000. This figure is in dispute and until a purchase price is agreed upon, I do not think anything can be done.

Would the Minister accept that if it is possible for members of the local authority to make a better bargain in respect of the site it would then be possible to proceed with the centre?

In view of the fact that both are local authorities I hope they will be able to arrive at an acceptable price as soon as possible.

And the Minister will exhort them to do that?

It is in the hands of the Commissioner of Valuation. He would be the determining factor in this.

Are we indulging in play-acting until such time as money is available? Is the money there if the price can be agreed upon?

I do not know whether the site money is there or not but I would say that the Eastern Health Board regard it as a top priority. As a matter of fact, in respect of the other projects which they have in mind it is a fourth priority, but I recognise it as being an urgent centre.

I hope that the Minister will accept that the position in what represents a new city is that in the whole area there are only two resident doctors. Until quite recently there was only one but the corporation gave a house to another. In a colossal area there are no medical services available to local people.

I recognise the need and I appreciate that the present health centre is bulging.