Health Board Property.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004

Thursday, 2 December 2004

Questions (152)

Liz McManus

Question:

149 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which it is intended to dispose of lands, in regard to the announcement in July 2004 regarding the sale of hundreds of acres of land from the country’s biggest psychiatric hospitals; if she will list the hospitals in question; if the hospitals in question have been consulted regarding the proposed land sale; if all such moneys will be ring-fenced for investment in the psychiatric services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31920/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

Earlier this year, my Department requested health boards to provide it with detailed schedules of all proposals regarding planned disposal of property including lands attached to psychiatric hospitals. The information received from the health boards in response to this request is being examined at present. Among the matters to be considered in this context is the fulfilment of my Department's obligations in respect of the provision of lands for affordable housing. It would be inappropriate to provide further details in advance of the completion of this process. The sale of assets in the health area will be used for health purposes, with the exception of a contribution towards social and affordable housing.