asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the post of paediatrician at Portlaoise General Hospital, County Laois, which was approved by him when he was previously Minister for Health has not been filled; if he will now authorise the filling of the post; and if he will outline his plans for the future development of the hospital.

In October 1980, Comhairle na nOspidéal indicated that it would be prepared to approve a post of consultant paediatrician at Portlaoise on the conditions that adequate physical facilities were provided at the hospital and that the Midland Health Board would establish a joint department of paediatrics, spanning the general hospitals at Portlaoise and Tullamore. Previously, in May 1980, the comhairle had approved two posts of consultant paediatrician at Tullamore. Unfortunately, in the present difficult economic situation it has not been possible to provide funds for the posts at Tullmore or the necessary works at Portlaoise.

However, I am aware of the difficulties in relation to paediatric services at Portlaoise and in the Midland Health Board area generally and I am giving this matter careful and sympathetic consideration with the view of insuring that an adequate service is available in the area.

Regarding the future development of the hospital, it has been agreed that it should be developed from its present bed complement of 140 to 170 beds with a full range of back-up facilities. A project team has been established to plan this development and the preparation of a planning brief is at an advanced stage.

Would the Minister now allay the anxieties of the people of Laois and the staff of the hospital by confirming here today that, when the necessary alterations are carried out and the staff embargo raised, the post of paediatrician will be filled at the hospital?

Yes. This is one of our top priorities. It was, again, one included in our plans and I would be very happy to see it restored.