asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is proposed to close an acute ward in St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3, from 1 December 1990; that 15 temporary nurses are to be laid off; and the plans, if any, which are being made to cater for the patients, numbering approximately 30, who are currently in this ward.

I have been advised that the board of St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, are considering a number of options to contain expenditure within budget in the current year. I can assure the Deputy that none of these options involves the unnecessary discharging of patients. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Eastern Health Board and the hospital authorities and any real problems which are identified in these discussions can be resolved without any disruption of services.

Is the Minister aware that the secretary-manager of the hospital notified the EHB on 3 November that it was proposed to close an acute admission ward and lay off 15 nurses from 1 December next? If he is not aware that there is something peculiar and wrong in his Department? Will he respond also to the application of that hospital for an additional allocation of lottery money to enable them to function?

It would not be appropriate to use lottery funding for the hospital as part of their revenue working on an ongoing, day to day basis, but I assume the Deputy I am well aware of the difficulty in St. Vincent's. They have a budgetary problem. They are in discussion with my Department and the EHB, and the issue will be resolved. No patients will be discharged as a result.

A brief question, Deputy Howlin. I want to dispose of two other questions if possible.

There is only one priority question in the name of the Labour Party. The Minister said there will be no unnecessary discharge of patients. The board have made the decision to close a ward from 1 January.

Questions, please.

Is the Minister aware his Secretary of the Department was notified of this in writing by the board of the hospital on 3 November? Will he accept that unless he provides the money between now and the end of this month 15 temporary staff will be let go, one ward will close and the board will have no choice but to discharge the 30 patients currently in that ward?

I do not accept what the Deputy is saying. I accept there is a proposal to close a ward but even if that ward were closed, I am assured it will not be necessary to discharge the patients. They can be placed in other areas in the hospital.

Question No. 8.

Will the Minister provide the money?

I have called Question No. 8.