asked the Minister for Health when approval for the necessary staff for the mentally handicapped unit in St. Joseph's, Stranorlar, County Donegal will be approved.

The allocation of funds necessary to recruit staff for new services, such as the unit mentioned by the Deputy, is at present under consideration by the Government as part of their overall review of the public finances.

In view of the fact that the building is there already and the only thing this is preventing its opening is the lack of staff, does the July embargo on staff apply in this case? When will the Minister be in a position to authorise the necessary staff for this much needed unit?

This unit would be affected. I am aware of the need for accommodation for adult mentally handicapped in the County Donegal area. While I cannot give the Deputy any guarantee at present, I hope to be in a position to answer that question more directly in the very near future.