asked the Minister for Health the reason a matron has not been appointed for over 18 months to the general hospital, Ennis, County Clare; and when an appointment will be made.

There is a temporary appointment of matron at the General Hospital, Ennis. The permanent appointment is one which is made by the Mid-Western Health Board on the recommendation of Local Appointments Commission. The commission failed to make a recommendation following competitions organised in the past 12 months and a further competition has recently been advertised.