asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the new general hospital in Castlebar, County Mayo.

The planning for the development of Castlebar General Hospital is at an advanced stage and will be completed this year.

Is the Minister aware that there were major news announcements last year that this hospital would proceed in 1979? Is the Minister aware that the community there are actually disappointed with the Department on this decision? Will the Minister give us an assurance that work will commence in 1981?

Stage three of the planning was approved by the Department at the end of 1979. Stages four and five of the planning, the preparation of working drawings and tender documents, are now in progress. These are being prepared by the design team and will be completed later this year. The invitation of tenders will depend on the funds available at that time. I am anxious to have the matter proceed directly from that stage.

I take it that when the documentation is completed the necessary funds will be forthcoming? The Minister is aware of the pressure under which the professional staff are working at this stage.

I am making arrangements to continue the planning process and to make the funds available for current planning so that we can get through that stage by the end of the year.

Question No. 69 postponed.