Vol. 506 No. 6
75 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will investigate the delay by the South-Eastern Health Board in going to tender for the construction of an acute psychiatric unit on the grounds of St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will issue a full statement in view of the public concern. [16163/99]
The proposed 45 bed psychiatric unit at St Luke's Hospital will provide the inpatient acute psychiatric service for the Carlow-Kilkenny catchment area.
The South-Eastern Health Board has submitted recommended lists of general building contractors for admission to the tender lists for the development of the project and are seeking formal approval to proceed with the invitation to tender for both general building contractors and mechanical and electrical services contractors. The acceptance of tenders and the commencement of construction are currently being considered in the context of the health capital programme for 1999. A contractor has not yet been selected and it is not possible at this stage to give a precise timetable for the project.
