Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
116. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the construction of a new elective hospital in County Cork; the action taken to advance this project in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5269/19]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 includes significant new healthcare programmes, including projects 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.
It is not possible at this stage to give a timeline for the construction of the proposed new dedicated ambulatory elective hospital facilities under Project Ireland 2040.
Detailed policy analysis to underpin this very significant health capital investment is now being considered by the Department of Health, 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.
