asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions that exist in the out-patients department at Mallow Hospital, County Cork; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to remedy the situation.

I do not accept that conditions at the out-patients department in Mallow Hospital are atrocious. I am aware that the building which houses, inter alia, the out-patients department is not entirely satisfactory for the purposes which it serves. However, the Southern Health Board has indicated that its replacement would not be their priority improvement at the hospital. A planning brief for the development of Mallow General Hospital which includes provision for the out-patients department has been submitted to my Department. The development proposals in the brief are under consideration in my Department.