Vol. 560 No. 1
688 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that it is awaiting sanction by his Department for the go-ahead in respect of the redevelopment of the Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24, and to the concerns of the local community that this matter be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1550/03]
My Department is aware that the Eastern Regional Health Authority is anxious to redevelop Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24. All capital requirements for the health boards, including the ERHA, are funded under the national development plan. My Department is reviewing, from a national perspective, the NDP for each health board in light of the outturn position for 2002. This process encompasses providing for existing capital contractual commitments and, where possible, the planning or construction of new projects nationally in 2003 or beyond.
It is in this context that capital developments for the ERHA, including the proposal in relation to Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, are being considered. My Department fully appreciates the importance of progressing this development and will continue to work closely with the authority in relation to prioritising their overall capital needs in line with the funding resources available under the NDP.
