Is the Minister aware that the lack of places for the handicapped, particularly in cases where adult handicapped are occupying places normally reserved for children, has reached crisis proportions?

The Deputy is extending the scope of the question.

Is the Minister aware that the finances necessary for the dayto-day running——

I have told the Deputy that he is extending the scope of the question and I cannot permit that. I am calling Question No. 9.

Beds that would normally be occupied are now unoccupied——

I have called Question No. 9. The Deputy must desist. He is not in order.

I attended a meeting recently and thousands of people expressed a wish that this crisis situation be brought to the attention of the Minister. The Chair should not be a party to stopping that.

The Deputy is being disorderly. Question No. 9 has been called.

Is the Minister aware of the situation? What does he intend doing about it?

The Minister is aware that he has provided an extra 700 beds in the last two and a half years——

The beds are not occupied. The beds that were occupied for years before the Minister came to office are now unoccupied because of the Minister's neglect.

The Chair should be obeyed. Question No. 9.

An extra 700 beds have been provided.

They are not occupied.

That is not so.