asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost and the expected time schedule for the new hospital building project at Beaumont, Dublin.

The accepted tender for the construction of Beaumont Hospital was for £18.2 million approximately at prices ruling at November 1977. The hospital is scheduled for completion in March, 1982.

Can the Minister say how many beds will be provided here?

Offhand, I think it is about 750.

What is the ratio between the health authority and the Department likely to be?

It will be run by a board on which the Eastern Health Board will be represented.

Is the money coming from the sweep funds?

It is coming through the sweep funds.