176 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to a community hospital for Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10646/01]

The provision of health services in County Kerry is a matter for the Southern Health Board.

The Southern Health Board has advised that it has provided for a community nursing unit in Tralee as one of the projects it wishes to develop under the National Development Plan 2001-2006. A project team has been appointed by the board.