asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to make available in 1977 the necessary finance which will permit work to commence on the construction of the new welfare home at Monaghan.

This will be discussed with the North-Eastern Health Board in connection with this year's capital programme. I expect that such discussions will take place soon.

Is the Minister aware of the pressing need for such a home in view of the long waiting list of geriatric patients?

I am so aware but the North-Eastern Health Board will have to decide, within the capital moneys available to them, which projects will have priority over others. This will be discussed with the board in the near future, in weeks possibly, and the final decision will be made as to whether this project will be proceeded with.

I hope the Minister will be more generous in regard to capital projects than he has been in the past few years when no such works could be carried out.

The Deputy will surely realise from the Book of Estimates that capital moneys have been increased by nearly 12 per cent this year.

What is the Minister's and the Department's attitude to the need for these welfare homes?

That is a wider issue. This relates to a welfare home in Monaghan and the Deputy cannot be allowed to widen the matter.

Will the Minister agree that 12 per cent is not adequate even to meet inflation?

It certainly would not cover every project decided on by the various health boards.