asked the Minister for Health if he will consider an immediate extension to St. Joseph's Hospital, Ennis, County Clare, to cater for the high percentage of geriatric patients in County Clare.

345.

asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that the population of County Clare has increased greatly, and that there is a high percentage of elderly people in the county, he will consider extending the local district hospitals at Ennistymon, Kilrush, Raheen and Edenvale, which are now regarded as geriatric units, so that the patients can be treated in their local areas.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take questions Nos. 342 and 345 together. The provision of geriatric accommodation in County Clare is a matter in the first instance for the Mid-Western Health Board. From inquiries made to the health board I understand that they propose to set up a committee to examine the geriatric services in County Clare. I will carefully consider any proposals received from the health board in this regard.