Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
72. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP) published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 10 (Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services).
In terms of childcare, during 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth spent almost €60 million across its various capital programmes to support a range of key services in respect of children and young people and international migrants. In addition, in 2022, over 180 school building projects were delivered under various programmes and schemes, such as the Large Scale Capital Programme, and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. Approximately 300 school projects are currently in construction, with a further 1,000 schools projects in the pipeline.
In terms of healthcare, new elective hospitals are planned for Cork and Galway. Significant progress is being made on the National Children’s Hospital, and 16 new Primary Centres were added in 2022. As of June 2023, there are 167 Primary Care Centres operational nationally, with a further 13 currently in construction, with 10 of these due to open during 2023.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available to Departments to spend on vital infrastructure in areas such as transport, education, and health, as well as housing, water infrastructure and cultural amenities. NSO 10 will continue to be prioritised as we continue to deliver our National Strategic Outcomes across the country in line with the National Planning Framework.
