asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the totally unsatisfactory position obtaining at Sligo General Hospital, County Sligo, in relation to an over-crowded and over-loaded lift serving the ENT unit, which has directly resulted in 60 and 70 operations not being carried out in 1977 and 1978 respectively and that the position has not improved to date; and if he will have a new shaft and an extra lift installed to remedy the situation.

I am aware of the position in relation to the lift serving the ENT Department at Sligo General Hospital, referred to by the Deputy.

The matter is primarily for the NorthWestern Health Board, which is responsible for the provision of services in the hospital. The health board had measures in train to repair the existing lift and to provide a further lift at the hospital as soon as possible.