asked the Minister for Health the present position concerning the proposed 45-bed extension to Tullamore General Hospital, County Offaly.

The design team for the new 45-bed medical unit at the General Hospital Tullamore, has completed Stage 2 planning documentation which has been submitted to my Department for approval. In order to allow a complete examination of this documentation the health board have been asked for further information relating to present costings having regard to the original budget cost of the project notified to the board. A reply is awaited.