asked the Minister for Health the commencement date for the construction of the new Waterford Regional Hospital at Ardkeen, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I cannot give a precise date for the commencement of the construction of the new Ardkeen hospital but I intend to attend the signing of the contract documents by the South Eastern Health Board on 31 December next at Kilkenny. I expect that building work will commence early in the new year.