Sligo Fianna Fail deputy Eamon Scanlon is calling for clarification from Minister for Mental Health Jim Daly as to whether or not a contract has been signed for construction to begin on the long promised new psychiatric unit at Sligo University Hospital.

The 27 bed new unit But was thrown into doubt in recent days  with Health Minister Simon Harris having told Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohue that there’s a funding gap of €109m this year in the capital plan for the health service.

Deputy Scanlon raised the issue in the Dail yesterday and while Minister Daly said the contract for the development was signed on Tuesday of this week, the deputy says he contacted the successful contractor today and  - no contract has yet been signed.

The Sligo Leitrim deputy told Midwest News  today that he will seek further clarification from Minister Daly later today.