286 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible to enter into an arrangement with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding a property (details supplied) in County Cork which his Department purchased for the accommodation of asylum seekers and refugees, to acquire or lease this property for use as residential care for the elderly. [20012/01]

The provision of health services in County Cork is a matter for the Southern Health Board. I understand from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that Lynch's Lodge Hotel, Macroom, County Cork, was purchased by the Office of Public Works on behalf of that Department in October 2000 for the purpose of providing accommodation for asylum seekers. The Reception and Integration Agency, which operates under the aegis of that Department, and is responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers continues to operate against a backdrop of a serious shortage of suitable accommodation particularly for families. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has informed me that the agency therefore has an urgent requirement for the property in question for the provision of accommodation for asylum seeker families.

The question of the Southern Health Board's leasing this property does not therefore arise.