I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 218, inclusive, together.
The HSE's 2019 National Service Plan committed to progress the opening, in Q4 2019 and within existing resources, of three new hospices, including one in Waterford, with a view to the services being fully operational in 2020.
I would like to commend Waterford Hospice Movement for its efforts in raising the capital for the construction of the specialist palliative care unit in Waterford. Acknowledgement must also be given to the people of Waterford, who have so generously contributed to this project.
The HSE has allocated once-off funding of €0.3 million to the new hospice in Waterford to prepare the facility for operation in 2020. This is a once-off funding allocation for use in funding non-pay
expenditure such as utilities, services, cleaning, supplies, and minor equipment. The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2020 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE, including for the new hospice in Waterford, will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
With regard to when the hospice will be fully operational, and the recruitment of staff to operate the hospice, as these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.