asked the Minister for Health when the necessary staff for the rehabilitation ward at St. Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny, County Donegal will be approved.

The North Western Health Board have not sought additional funds from my Department to enable this service to be developed. I understand from the health board that they hope to commence the service in the coming months by the re-organisation and redeployment of existing staff.

When will the Minister be in a position to grant approval to the North Western Health Board to proceed with this scheme?

Planning is at a very early stage and I hope there will be no undue delay. I cannot answer the Deputy's question directly at this stage.