asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the hospital facilities available in Dungarvan, County Waterford; his plans for the development of hospital services in Dunagarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The hospital facilities available in Dungarvan. County Waterford consist of Dungarvan District Hospital and St. Joseph's Geriatric Hospital. Plans for a replacement hospital for St. Joseph's have been prepared and the question of when the necessary funds can be provided under the health capital programme, which will determine when work can commence on the project, is currently being considered.