Question No. 9.

9.

asked the Minister for Health if the new 72-bed unit at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, County Dublin, has been put into operation.

This new unit has not yet been put into operation. Negotiations are at present in progress with the unions representing the psychiatric nurses at the hospital regarding the proposed staffing arrangements for the unit.

How long is it since the unit was built?

It was handed over finally in July of this year.

Is the Minister aware that this unit was originally scheduled for opening in October of last year? Is the Minister further aware that he undertook in this House some eight or nine months ago to do all in his power to see that the unit would be opened in the near future? Would the Minister give us any indication as to when this unhappy dispute will be brought to an end?

There are fairly recent developments which look hopeful. As the Deputy probably knows as well as I, intensive discussions have been going on for some considerable time between the management and the unions concerned. Unfortunately so far there has been no solution but every effort which can be made by my Department is being made to bring about a satisfactory solution.

Question No. 10.

Will the Minister accept that these discussions have been going on for 18 months?

I know that. Unfortunately that is the situation. Different units are involved and as the Deputy knows——

There are two.

——negotiations with the trade unions in these matters are complex and difficult and there is no way I can force a conclusion.

But the Minister is the responsible Minister.

Question No. 10.