asked the Minister for Health if he will take immediate steps to re-establish an obstetric unit at the County Hospital, Nenagh, County Tipperary, in the interests of the 1,200 women who have babies in north Tipperary annually; and if this area will be accorded the same maternity facilities as exist in every other county.

The provision of the services referred to by the Deputy would be a matter for the MidWestern Health Board in the first instance. I understand that the board will, in the near future, be considering the position regarding the development of hospital services, including obstetrics, in their area.