18 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health if he will consult the South Eastern Health Board regarding the future of the old district hospital in Lismore, County Waterford, which local voluntary groups would like to see converted into a tourist hostel for the benefit of the tourism industry in the locality, in view of the fact that it is currently lying idle and that the voluntary groups in question are not in a position to pay the purchase price for what is in effect a building which may well become derelict if not occupied and used in the immediate future. [12055/95]

Limerick East): I have obtained the views of the South-Eastern Health Board in this matter. Board policy in relation to property which becomes surplus to requirements is to offer it in the first instance, to the local housing authority and, if they are not interested, to sell it to the highest bidder. I gather that the housing authority are not interested in this particular property.

The South-Eastern Health Board has confirmed that they would prefer to sell this property rather than lease it.

However, I agree that it would be a pity to allow the building to lie idle indefinitely and eventually become derelict. Therefore I will suggest to the board, that if they fail to dispose of the building within a certain period that they consider leasing it to the local voluntary group.