Vol. 477 No. 2
76 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to provide funding for the provision of a new health centre at Roundstone, Connemara, County Galway, in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8861/97]
77 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when funds will be made available by him to the Western Health Board for capital developments, particularly in relation to health centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8862/97]
Limerick East): I will take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The health capital programme for 1997 is currently being examined in my Department and this examination is at an advanced stage. It is not possible, at this stage, to give a definitive list of capital developments for the Western Health Board which will be included in the 1997 programme. Funding will, of course, be made available for projects which have already been sanctioned.
As the Deputy will be aware the provision of health centres is a matter for the health boards in the first instance and that this is done in accordance with priorities established by the relevant health board. It is my intention that capital provision will be made for a continuation of the boards' health centre development programme to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of available resources.
