Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
133. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans and the plans of the HSE for the development of new hospitals in County Cork; the status of progress in relation to the matter; the timelines in this regard; the funding that has been ring-fenced in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2059/19]
View answerI take it that the Deputy is referring to the proposed development of an elective only facility in Cork, as proposed in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 - 2027.
The NDP includes significant new programmes and projects, particularly in relation to additional capacity and the development of three elective only facilities. These projects reflect the next stage of health sector development, and many require significant policy scoping and planning assessment to be carried out.
As set out in the Sláintecare Implementation Plan, the intention now is to progress the development of these new facilities, within a national framework.
Detailed policy analysis to underpin this very significant health capital investment is now being considered by my Department, with the aim of ensuring value for money and meeting both current and future service needs. This will guide the service and operational specification for the new facilities and allow for an objective basis for the evaluation of proposals. There will be appropriate consultation in the development of this policy which will be based upon international best practice and national population health planning.
I want to see the development of new facilities progress as quickly as possible, in accordance with the timelines set out in the Sláintecare Implementation Plan.
