asked the Minister for Health if any application has been made to him by an American consortium for permission to build an international hospital in Ireland; and if the will make a statement on the matter.

My permission is not necessary for the building of a hospital such as is referred to in the question.

Have there been consultations with any official of the Department in this regard?

The promoters of this hospital have had discussions with officials of the Department and they are consulting with the Medical Council currently on arrangements for the temporary registration of visiting medical specialists to enable them to practise medicine in Ireland.

I should like to ask the Minister if there were objections from the Department of Health to such a project? Why should they have to consult with the Department of Health if it was not within the ambit of the Department to deal with such a matter?

It happens frequently that people come to the Department of Health to find out the position or what the position might be. The fact that my permission is not necessary has been outlined to the people concerned. The Department would inform such people of any of the considerations that might arise. On that basis, for instance, they consulted with the medical council. They also consulted with several other people and I understand that they are still interested in the proposal. That is about our only function at this stage.

Would the Minister have any objections to it if it meant a lot of business?

In view of the potential economic advantages and the employment prospects which it would mean I would certainly not be inclined to prevent it. Obviously, we would point out the difficulties which might arise and suggest that they be ironed out with the relevant authorities. That is the line we have taken to date.

In view of the fact that the Arabs have decided to boycott the British hospitals and hospital consultants would it not be a good idea if the Minister made efforts to promote this project?

As the Deputy is aware, we have had very good relations with Middle East countries and, in fact, we assist in training and in the provision of consultants. Obviously, if they have an increased interest in receiving medical attention here we would be quite happy to pursue that. As far as this centre is concerned we would not be opposed to its establishment.