477. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary has been deemed suitable for the resumption of inpatient accommodation in view of being informed over many years that it is not suitable for same; the works that have been carried out to make it suitable; the cost of the works; if the hospital will return to full inpatient accommodation following the recent works; his plans for the hospital in a post-Covid-19 environment; the reason persons have been informed it is not suitable for inpatient accommodation; if the hospital will be retained as a step-down facility to support capacity issues at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/20]

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.