Vol. 524 No. 2
283 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will expedite the money for the setting up of a centre for brain injury in County Galway specialising in rehabilitative and vocational training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22139/00]
The capital priorities of the Western Health Board under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, including those relating to a brain injury rehabilitative unit, are a matter in the first instance for the board. My Department earlier this year confirmed with the board overall funding for the duration of the plan.
Individual capital projects coming on stream over the life of the NDP will remain subject to the normal criteria governing projects such as individual project approvals, agreed costings, construction refurbishment start dates and progressing projects in the light of the board's overall capital priorities at any particular time. My Department has received a proposal from the Western Health Board regarding this matter and it is currently being examined in my Department.
284 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received proposals from the Western Health Board seeking grant aid of £300,000 to facilitate a new exit/entrance to Merlin Park Regional Hospital, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the serious traffic hazard being caused by the current exit/entrance; if this request for £300,000 will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/00]
A proposal to provide an alternative entrance at Merlin Park Hospital has been received from the Western Health Board and is currently being considered by my Department.
