Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
175 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the proposed extension for Kanturk Hospital; the reasons for the delay in proceeding with the work; and when work is expected to commence on the project. [29181/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Cork area is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. The board's policy document "Ageing with Confidence" has identified the need to develop additional long-stay beds for older people in the Southern Health Board area and as part of this programme the board is proposing to increase the number of long-stay beds at Kanturk Hospital. The proposal to develop additional beds at Kanturk Hospital is one of the capital projects which the board has submitted to my Department as part of its capital development programme. My Department will continue to liaise with the board to establish what new projects can be progressed, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available to my Department. Regard will also be had to the significant additional revenue funding and staffing which will be required for these developments as well as the board's overall capital funding priorities.
