asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the extension of St. James's Hospital, Dublin and the proposed closure of a number of older Dublin hospitals.

The project team, set up in relation to the development of St. James's Hospital, is nearing the completion of the planning brief for the project. The architects for the project have been appointed and the appointments of consultant engineers and of a quantity surveyor are under consideration following the holding of competitions for the posts. Detailed planning of the development of the hospital will commence as soon as the planning brief has been completed and approved.

The closure of Sir Patrick Dun's, Mercers and Baggot Street Hospitals is scheduled to take place when the development of St. James's Hospital has been effected. Phasing out of other hospitals is dependent on the programme for the development of other major hospitals in Dublin. A certain movement of services from the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals Group to St. James's has taken place already or is under consideration.

Is the Minister aware of the concern felt by the staff of all the hospitals mentioned? From the hall porter upwards, they do not know what to do. They are afraid their futures are in jeopardy because the hospitals will be closed and they do not know where they will go then.

The hospitals will not be closed until there is sufficient accommodation for them in St. James's.

Will the staff be transferred to St. James's?

Without being definite about it, I presume they would, certainly.

Some of them have been to their unions and there is grave concern about this matter.

If there is concern, it has not be communicated to me. It seems to be a smooth operation as far as I can see.

Will all the people who will be displaced in St. James's, be needed?

That would be a matter for discussion in the negotiations between the St. James's Hospital and the three other hospitals concerned.

Recently, I spoke to a doctor who handed in this resignation and he instanced the delay as one of the reasons why he was leaving.

I can assure the Deputy that there is no delay. As far as the major hospitals in Dublin are concerned, St. James's is getting priority.

When will they start on the new St. James's?

I cannot say that nor have I any information about it. The project team, comprised of a representative of the Health Board, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the St. James's Board, are expected to finish their work soon. Their studies are nearly completed. Then it will be given over to the architect and similar officials. Nobody need complain about the speed, because St. James's has priority over other hospitals.

Questions Nos. 6 and 7 are for written reply. Question No. 8 is withdrawn and Questions Nos. 9 and 10 are for written reply.