asked the Minister for Health if he will make money available this year to start the new county hospital in Tralee in view of the fact that agreement has been reached on the proposed plan.

Detailed planning of the new Tralee hospital by the design team is proceeding but is not expected to be completed until the end of 1977 so that the question of the commencement of building work will not arise this year. Provision has been made for the professional fees which will fall due this year for the planning of the project.

Question No. 6 postponed.