Vol. 551 No. 2
299 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he or his Department has had meetings or any involvement in the assessment of the ?20 million development plan for Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital; and if he has imposed limits on the capital spending plans of the Eastern Regional Health Authority which has resulted in the postponement of this investment. [10095/02]
Responsibility for progressing capital development proposals in the Dublin area is in the first instance a matter for agreement between the Eastern Regional Health Authority and each hospital or health care agency. Such proposals submitted to my Department for approval have to be prioritised by the authority within the funding resources available under the national development plan. My Department is aware that Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital is anxious to proceed with a major capital development programme. This proposal will have to be considered by the ERHA in the light of competing demands for the region within the funding resources available under the NDP.
