Vol. 537 No. 2
207 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the background to the lengthy delay in opening phase 2B of the General Hospital in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15594/01]
Approval for the establishment of a project team to commence the planning of phase 2B at Longford Westmeath General Hospital was given to the Midland Health Board in May 1999. The board did not prioritise this project in its NDP indicative funding of £124 million at 2000 values over the period 2000 to 2006. Accordingly, a decision to proceed with the project can only be taken in the context of additional capital funding being made available to my Department.
