asked the Minister for Education to what use the site in Harcourt Terrace, Dublin, purchased six years ago for the building of a new dental hospital has been put since its purchase; to what use this site will be put should the location be changed to the grounds of the Mater Hospital; and if he will state the reasons for the long delay in coming to a decision on the siting of this urgently needed hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Hospital Site.
19.
Should it be decided to erect the new Dublin Dental Hospital on a site other than the one already purchased for the purpose at Peter's Place, which is the property of the Dublin Dental Hospital Board, it is intended that the Peter's Place site will be disposed of by the Board and the proceeds applied towards the cost of the new building. There has been no delay in coming to a decision on the siting of the new hospital. As I indicated in my reply to a previous question from the Deputy on 8th April, 1964, the newly constituted Board, which came into existence on 17th July, 1963, is not yet in a position to make a final recommendation in the matter.
Has the Minister any idea as to when he may arrive at a decision?
Negotiations are in progress but I am not in a position to say when there will be a final arrangement.
The Minister has no idea of when we may see a new dental hospital?
I have a very vague general idea. It may be quite soon.
Would the Minister hazard a guess as to how many years?
I hope a decision will be reached in less time than years.
I do not mean a decision. I mean the erection of the hospital.
We are negotiating for a site. The new Board seems to be of the opinion that a dental hospital attached to a general hospital would be more suitable. They are now negotiating a site near a general hospital and, as these negotiations are in the hands of other people, I cannot predict how long they will take. The schedules of accomodation are being prepared.
The Minister appreciates the urgency of the establishment of such a hospital.
None more than the Minister.