(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health (a) the cash allocation for the new General Hospital at Cavan for this year; (b) when tenders will be invited for the erection of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is estimated that planning and preliminary site works at the new Cavan general hospital will cost in the order of £250,000 this year and I have set aside funds to meet this expenditure.

The planning of the hospital is proceeding. Tenders for the preliminary site works will be sought within the next few weeks and it is expected that tenders for the main building work will be invited in mid-1980.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Do I understand the Minister to say that work done this year will cost £¼ million?

Yes.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Has that amount of money been allocated?

Yes.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister expects that the tenders for the main contract will be invited in mid-1980?

Yes, progress.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The spade work was done before Fianna Fáil came in at all. It was signed, sealed and delivered.

That was about the extent of my predecessor's endeavours.

Question No. 22. Order, please.

The Cavan hospital was held up by the Minister so that Beaumont hospital could be started earlier.

I have already assured the House that there was no hold up. Everybody concerned knows that there was absolutely no delay in the planning of Cavan hospital because of Beaumont or any other hospital. The planning of all the major hospitals is proceeding as rapidly as possible.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I am not complaining about the delay but the Minister admitted that there was some delay.

Question No. 22.