Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Michael Finucane

Question:

359 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in proceeding with the Alzheimer's unit at St. Ita's Hospital, Newcastle West, County Limerick; when construction will commence; and the amount of funding provided for this project. [24315/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

The provision of health services in County Limerick is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board.

Under the National Development Plan 2001- 2006, the Mid-Western Health Board was advised of indicative funding of £16.349 million, 20.76 million, for capital investment in the development of services for older people. It is a matter for the board to decide its priority development projects within the national development plan. The board has included the provision of a dementia unit at St. Ita's Hospital in its proposals for inclusion in the national development plan.

As the Deputy will be aware a project team has been approved and established. Furthermore, a design team has also been appointed for this development. The board has recently advised that it is intended that this development would be completed in the latter half of the National Development Plan 2001-2006.