Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2005
128 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made concerning the new community hospital for Tuam, County Galway; the outcome of discussions held recently with officials of the Western Health Board on this subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2693/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
As part of the executive's responsibility to prepare and submit an annual service plan for my approval, it is obliged under section 31 of the Act to indicate any capital plans proposed. In this process, the executive is expected to have regard to the full range of potential capital developments, its own criteria in determining priorities, available resources and any other relevant factors.
My Department is awaiting the 2005 service plan from the Heath Service Executive. In the interim, my Department has asked the chief executive of the Health Service Executive, western area, to investigate the position regarding this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.
