asked the Minister for Health the commencement date for the new Cavan hospital building.

Final stages of the planning of this project are in hands. Until they are complete I cannot say precisely when the project will go to tender.

At what stage is the project?

It has been agreed to proceed with the provision of the new hospital. The final stages, that is the bill of quantities, are in hand, but the indications are the project will be put out to tender in June 1983. On this basis work can commence towards the end of September or early October 1983. The total cost of the hospital is estimated at £21 million spread over 1983 to early 1987.

Why has the project not gone to tender at this stage? What is the delay?

It is due largely to finalising the capital programme. I assure the Deputy I am acutely aware of the considerable inadequacies in the CavanMonaghan area. We are examining the bill of quantities at present and I do not envisage there will be any delay with them.

When does the Minister expect to notify the health board that the Department have sanctioned the project going to tender?

I will check carefully with the professional staff in my Department and the planning architectural staff and endeavour to have it expedited. It is scheduled to be issued in June but I do not know the exact date.