asked the Minister for Health if he attended a ceremony and cut the first sod for the erection of a health centre at Portlaoise, County Laois, 17 months ago as to date he has not given approval to carry out the work; and the reason for the delay.

I did cut the sod for the new health centre and community care offices on my visit to Portlaoise in June 1985. This project has since proceeded through the various stages of planning and has now reached an advanced stage in the planning process. I hope to be in a position shortly to give approval to the Midland Health Board to proceed with the invitation of tenders for this project.