Mr. Bernard Gloster:

I have it listed for him to follow this up with Deputy O'Reilly in writing. Although there is no decision yet, in fairness to the Deputy, to the question and to public anxiety about it, I am sure that Mr. Canavan will also wish to bring clarity to the matter. I will certainly do that.

Senator O'Donnell spoke of St. Camillus Community Hospital in Limerick. I can confirm the situation there because I went there two weeks ago. I met the design team and I have seen the plans. They are very exciting plans. The history of St. Camillus Community Hospital is in the city and we are continuing to use that site. It is proposed to build 75 beds on the site. They are replacements for the existing long-stay beds. I believe there was some confusion that they may be additional beds. They are replacement beds because of the regulations, which are inspected by HIQA. In terms of progress, I am told by the estates department that the pre-planning discussion will happen over the summer and a formal planning application will be made by the end of the summer. It will probably run on for longer than an average planning application because there is quite a lot involved and because of the nature of the site. It is hoped to put a spade in the ground in 2018, and to have the project completed well before the regulation deadline of end of 2021. The unit will be built in two phases; 50 beds over two floors and then a 25 bed section on a single floor.