Vol. 482 No. 6
281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will proceed with the Naas Hospital development plan as outlined by his predecessor; if his Department will make the required funding available for this purpose in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18489/97]
The Deputy will be aware that the revised development brief for Naas General Hospital was formally approved in June 1997. This approval has allowed the Eastern Health Board to proceed with the preparation of a revised development control plan and the drafting of a more detailed Phase II development option within the approved cost limits. The Eastern Health Board has appointed a design team and has assured me that the planning process is being progressed as quickly as possible.
I am happy to assure the Deputy that the development of improved facilities for patients at Naas General Hospital continues to merit a top priority in my Department's capital programme. Further discussions are being held between my Department and the Eastern Health Board to ensure that the planning of the hospital continues to proceed with all possible speed.
