asked the Minister for Health if there are any proposals for the development of a casualty unit in St. Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to a recent parliamentary question which she asked, the Midland Health Board have decided that elective orthopaedic facilities should be provided at St. Vincent's District Hospital, Athlone, in the short term. The board also propose to establish an accident and emergency service at this hospital in conjunction with the proposed orthopaedic facilities. I have the matter under consideration at present.

When will the decision to implement the designation of Athlone as the orthopaedic centre be taken?

As soon as it is feasible. We have to look at the whole Midlands area to ensure that the decision we take is in the best interest of the area. When we are satisfied that the best decision has been arrived at we will announce it.

I could not quite hear the first part of the reply. Do I take it that the provision of a casulty service will be reviewed in the light of the announcemnt about the orthopaedic centre?

Yes.

32.