andMr. Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgency of providing laboratory equipment and facilities at Mallow County Hospital, County Cork; and the financial allocation he has made to that end for 1977.

There is a small laboratory in Mallow hospital. Most specimens are, however, sent by train each day to the laboratory at St. Finbarr's hospital in Cork.

The Southern Health Board recently sought approval to the appointment of a senior laboratory technician for Mallow. This new post would cost £4,800 in a full year and is being considered urgently in the context of the "job-creation" programme as a whole. Items of equipment costing £6,000 are also needed and the board can provide these from their budget for this year.

(Dublin Central): Could the Minister state when the laboratory technician will be appointed?

No, I am not saying that.

(Dublin Central): Is there a proposal to appoint him?

There is a proposal from the health board of 18th February and that is being considered.