Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health Services.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

451 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received proposals from the Northern Area Health Board through the Eastern Regional Health Authority for approval for expenditure for a primary care unit on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7, and for the refurbishment of the health centre at Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7; if he is in a position to approve the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26955/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities within its functional area is a matter for each health board, including the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Dublin, this responsibility rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

As with each of the other boards, the Eastern Regional Health Authority has been notified of the annual indicative funding available under the national development plan – NDP – for the period 2001 to 2006 to facilitate the financing of capital projects, including health centres. The identification and prioritisation of projects which may proceed within the indicative funding is a matter for the authority.

In the circumstances I have asked the chief executive officer of the authority to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.