asked the Minister for Health the amount made available by his Department for the extension of Castlebar General Hospital, County Mayo; and when the work is likely to be released for contract.

The planning of the development of Castlebar General Hospital is at an early stage and it is estimated that it will be a further two years before the detailed plans are completed.

Provision has been made, in the current year, for expenditure of £30,000 on the project in respect of professional fees which will fall due for the planning of the hospital.

Are we to take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that despite the fact that the Minister for Health announced recently that this hospital was to be extended, no definite plans have been prepared for the extension mentioned by the Minister?

As the Deputy is aware, the project team have just completed their brief and it is now going to the planners. Money will be paid this year and that is an indication of the Department's and the health board's intention to get on with the job.

4.

asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to have Castlebar General Hospital, County Mayo recognised as a training hospital for nurses.

I have already stated that the provision of a nurse training school at Castlebar General Hospital has been approved in principle.

Planning of a major capital development at the hospital is at present in progress and this planning includes provision for a nurse training school. I am not in a position, at present, to give any more detailed information on the matter.