One can do no better in talking about a service than talk about the service in one's area. I am chairman of the Midland Health Board and I am pleased to say that under the health strategy, which highlights as one of its flagship proposals an increase in the number of beds, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, recently lay the foundation stone for the construction of a new hospital at Tullamore. Next week or the week after a presentation will be made by the architect to the Longford-Westmeath members on the development control plan for the completion of phase 2B of the Longford-Westmeath General Hospital, now known as the Regional Hospital in Mullingar which when completed will increase its bed capacity from 203 to 311, an increase of 108 beds. The number of beds in Tullamore General Hospital will increase by 68. Substantial developments currently taking place in Portlaoise General Hospital will result in an increase in the number of beds in the new paediatric department, the new accident and emergency and new psychiatric units by five beds, respectively, while the medical unit will be refurbished and extended.