Phil Hogan
Question:165 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will approve a proposal for a mental health day hospital for Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27991/03]
Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.
Responsibility for the provision of the health services in Kilkenny rests with the South-Eastern Health Board. Following on from my visit to the health board, the board submitted to my Department a proposal to develop a 22 bed long-stay unit and a 30 bed residential unit and day facility for the psychiatry of later life at St. Canice's Hospital, Kilkenny. The board has advised that this project was not included as part of its national development plan programme 2000-2006 submitted to my Department.
My Department is currently examining the health capital programme for 2004 and beyond to ascertain what new projects can be progressed through either planning or construction stages, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available. It is in this context that my Department will continue to liaise with the South-Eastern Health Board regarding the proposed development at St. Canice's Hospital in the light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.