78 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of capital allocations which he has announced for each acute hospital and which have not been allocated; and the estimated cost of works at University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital which are already planned and announced to take place in 1997. [2570/97]

Limerick East): It is not the normal practice to give annual capital allocations for hospital projects to health agencies. The capital commitments arising each year generally arise from decisions on individual projects, many of which involve expenditure over a number of years.

The capital funding required for the interim works at University College Hospital, Galway and the phased developments at Limerick Regional Hospital will depend on several factors that are difficult to assess accurately in advance, and it is not possible to give precise figures at this stage. I can assure the Deputy, however, that adequate provisions to fund the expenditure that will arise on these projects will be made in the capital programme for 1997 and subsequent years.

79 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the progress being made with Stage 2 of Mayo General Hospital extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/97]

Limerick East): The development control plan for the Phase 2 development of Mayo General Hospital has been received and examined by my Department.

While the plan, as submitted, does not fully meet the documentation submission requirements of my Department's hospital planning office, I have given it my approval as a protective development control plan, so that planning may proceed.

A project team meeting is being held today at which developed design proposals for the project will be discussed, in order that the planning process may proceed with all possible speed.