Michael Ring
Question:684 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Western Health Board will go ahead with the x-ray unit in Belmullet, County Mayo in 2003. [1546/03]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.
Michael Ring
Question:685 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the x-ray unit in Belmullet, County Mayo; the stage it is at; when the x-ray unit will be operational in Belmullet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1547/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 and 685 together.
The provision of medical services including the provision of radiology equipment at Belmullet District Hospital is the responsibility of the Western Health Board.
My Department is at present reviewing, from a national point of view, the NDP for the health sector in light of the outturn position for 2002. The review also encompasses providing for existing capital contractual commitments and commencing where possible the planning or construction of new projects nationally in 2003 or beyond within the overall funding resources available to my Department. It is in this context that capital developments for the Western Health Board region, including the consideration of a contribution to a jointly funded project involving the CLÁR programme at Belmullet District Hospital is now being examined.