asked the Minister for Health if he will consider having Tralee County Hospital, County Kerry turned into a geriatric home when the new general hospital opens there.

The feasibility of using the County Hospital, Tralee, when vacated, as a geriatric home has been considered in consultation with the Southern Health Board. However, in view of the age and condition of the building and the need for major capital expenditure to bring it up to modern standards, the health board have been informed that the proposal is not acceptable.

I am sure the Minister knows that there is a grave shortage of geriatric beds in north Kerry and the old hospital would be very suitable as a geriatric unit.

A question, Deputy.

Would the Minister consider having it made into a geriatric unit?

No, because the building is very old and is a fire hazard. It would require major capital expenditure to bring it up to modern standards. The best the health board could do would be to dispose of it.

I suggest that the ground floor of the county hospital could be used as a geriatric unit. Will the Minister consider that?

I can make further inquiries of the health board but the general advice given to me is that even a feasibility study considering the proposals would cost about £10,000 and overall, the building would require major capital expenditure to bring it into any condition.

Question No. 18.

I completely disagree.

That is argument. The Deputy cannot have a debate during Question Time.

The ground floor of the county hospital is in good condition and is being used as a county hospital.

I cannot allow a debate on each question.

I cannot accept what the Minister has in his brief.