Vol. 545 No. 5
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to upgrade the various health centres throughout north County Kildare in accordance with population requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31171/01]
The provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities and the upgrading of such centres within its functional area is a matter for each health board, including the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of north County Kildare, 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 for the period 2001 to 2006 to facilitate the financing of capital projects, including upgrading health centres. The identification and prioritisation of projects which may proceed within the indicative funding is a matter for the authority.
In the circumstances my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the authority to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
