I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 to 191, inclusive, together.
The model of stand-alone maternity hospitals is not the norm internationally. In line with the National Maternity Strategy, Government policy is to co-locate all remaining maternity hospitals with adult acute services in order to provide optimal clinical outcomes. Co-location of maternity services with adult services provides mothers with access to a full range of medical and support services should the need arise. The availability of these services helps ensure the delivery of an optimum, safe service, particularly for high risk mothers and babies.
Following the grant of planning permission for the new National Maternity Hospital on the St Vincent's University Hospital campus, the Design Team is continuing to work on the detailed design of the hospital and the preparation of tender documents, initially for a major enabling works contract. This development will of course represent the flagship project of the National Maternity Strategy and will constitute the largest single investment ever made in maternity services in Ireland. Work on a legal framework to protect the State's interest in the project is expected to conclude shortly.
I have been advised that the Rotunda hospital has commissioned consultants to prepare a draft Design Brief. In addition, work is nearing completion on the preparation of a Development Control Plan for the Connolly campus and this will support the orderly development of future capital projects on that campus, including the Maternity Hospital. In relation to the redevelopment and relocation of University Maternity Hospital Limerick, I understand that a steering group for the relocation has been established, a site feasibility study has been completed and a location has been determined to accommodate the design brief for the new maternity hospital on the grounds of University Hospital Limerick at Dooradoyle.
Health capital funding was outlined in the recently published Public Service Estimates for 2018 and the HSE is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2018-2021.
The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which is expected to be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework, to sustain national economic and social progress over the long term. As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health care projects, the Executive has been requested to reply to you in relation to expenditure incurred to date on this project.
