Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
279. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the additional capacity he plans to make available in healthcare to facilitate a health catch up programme; if it will involve additional and immediate investment in temporary builds; the additional funds that will be made available to facilitate the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/20]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
At present the draft Capital Plan 2020 is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19, which has resulted in delays on many projects, and the funding of an emergency Covid-19 programme of works. The draft capital plan includes a number of additional capacity developments, including at University Hospital Limerick (60-Bed Ward Block and a 24-Bed Unit); Mercy University Hospital, Cork (40-Bed Unit); Sligo University Hospital (48-Bed Unit) and Mayo University Hospital.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
This new Capital Plan will outline the continued investment taking place in our health service. Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2020, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.
