Vol. 501 No. 6
222 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give a breakdown of the cost estimated by his Department to equip and fit out Phase 2B at the Longford and Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6691/99]
250 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if immediate approval will be given to the fitting out and equipping of Phase 2B which is a shelled out five storey structure at Longford and Westmeath General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact there is severe overcrowding at the hospital. [6828/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 250 together.
The total cost, including the equipping and fit out cost, of the Phase 2B development at the Longford-Westmeath General Hospital will depend on a review of the brief setting out the scope of the work involved and also the programme for carrying out the works. As this review has not yet taken place, it is not possible to give a breakdown of cost at this stage.
The Phase 2A development at this hospital has been completed at a capital cost of more than £10 million and I was pleased to allocate over £2 million revenue funding to enable it to be commissioned during 1998.
I announced significant capital developments for Tullamore and Portlaoise General Hospitals, which will secure their future and ensure that the general hospitals in the Midland Health Board area provide a high quality modern service.
I will examine the scope for developing Phase 2B of Longford-Westmenth General Hospital in the context of available funding, but I cannot give a precise commitment as to timing at present.
