andMiss Barry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inordinate delay in the carrying out of the proposed building at the Fermoy hospital, County Cork, and if in view of the urgent necessity of this building he will take steps to have the work expedited.

I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen regarding this project. The tenders which were received by the Southern Health Board were significantly in excess of my Department's budget cost for this type of project and the matter is under examination in my Department with a view to reducing the cost.

I will convey my decision to the health board as soon as possible.