Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 1

Written Answers - Hospital Funding.

John McGuinness

Question:

63 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be made available to the South-Eastern Health Board to provide an acute psychiatric unit at the site of St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, in view of the fact that tenders were submitted in 1996 for the contract and subsequent discussions with a contractor were at an advanced stage; if a contractor has been selected; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The South-Eastern Health Board has submitted a report on the tenders for the provision of an acute psychiatric unit at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, to my Department. The acceptance of tenders and the commencement of construction are currently being considered in the context of the health capital programme for 1998. A contractor has not yet been selected and it is not possible at this stage to give a precise timetable for the project.