104 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in regard to reconstruction works at St. Patrick's ward, Sacred Heart Home, Castlebar, County Mayo; the number of beds currently available at the Sacred Heart Home; if beds are currently closed at the home; when it is expected that these will re-open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9552/02]

The provision of health services in the Mayo area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board in relation to the St. Patrick's unit in the Sacred Heart Home, Castlebar, and has been informed that reconstruction work is currently being undertaken there. The work in question is necessary due to serious structural problems and has required the closure of 20 beds in the unit, where 194 beds remain available.