asked the Minister for Health if the South Eastern Health Board is yet in a position to open fully the new hospital at Wexford.

The health board have been asked to submit detailed proposals urgently for the full opening of the additional accommodation at Wexford Hospital. The opening would be financed under the "jobcreation" scheme proposed in the budget and it would be my aim that this extension, as well as several other new units throughout the country, should be opened as soon as is practicable.

Is the Minister now saying the health board will have sufficient funds this year to open the hospital fully?

Yes. I do not know whether it was announced in the budget but I announced at a Press conference afterwards that £2,500,000 is earmarked for the opening of units that could not be opened last year and units that will be completed in 1977.

Would my good friend and colleague, the Minister, not admit that it is a pity we do not have a general election every year?

I am not afraid of elections anyhow, no matter what the circumstances are, whether I am over there or over here.

I am well aware of that.

Will this be of benefit to the maternity section of the county hospital?

Yes. Deputy Browne mentioned "hospital"; he meant the maternity hospital.

Yes, the maternity hospital. That is what I want to make clear.

It is a new maternity hospital. There is nothing else.

There is a medical department as well.

That is different.

It all goes in with the opening of these places in 1977.

Will the Minister say if it will be in the first six months or in the second half of the year?

That depends on the general election.

All I can say is, as quickly as possible. I have been badgered as much as the two Deputies about this and maybe blackguarded a little bit too. Not by the Deputies.

That is no harm. It might do the Minister good.