Vol. 535 No. 5
169 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will list each of the capital projects planned for the health services over the next five years; the original estimated cost in each case; the revised estimated cost in each case; and the consequences in terms of cancellation or delay of each project of the costs involved. [13277/01]
Health boards have primary responsibility for the prioritisation and delivery of capital projects within their areas under the funding indicated to them for each year of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. Individual projects will continue to be subject at various stages to approval by my Department to maximise the use of funding made available under the plan. The total costs involved in a project are subject to ongoing review over the life of the project, including inflation, phasing, scope changes, etc. In strategically managing the NDP, my Department is at present reviewing the plan for each board in the light of various influences affecting capital projects. These include changing service priorities, building inflation and capacity pressures in the construction industry.
Given the scope of individual projects proposed under each health board's plan, and the evolving nature of capital projects in general taking account of inflation, capacity of the industry, etc., it would not be possible for me to provide the detailed information on individual projects sought by the Deputy. Should the Deputy wish to know the current position regarding the progression of individual projects, this information should be sought directly from the chief executive officer of each health board.
Question No. 170 withdrawn.
