Vol. 478 No. 3
39 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health the stage of planning of the proposed nursing health care unit at Cootehill County Cavan; when it is proposed to have tenders invited in respect of this building; when construction work will commence; the level of funding, if any, which will be provided for this project in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11077/97]
Limerick East): As the Deputy is aware, the North-Eastern Health Board has the statutory responsibility for the development of nursing health care units in its area.
I understand from the Board that a planning application for the project in Coothill will be lodged with Cavan County Council at an early date. Progress on this project in 1997 will depend on the time taken to obtain planning permission and the availability of capital funding. Priorities in this regard will be agreed with the health board in the coming weeks.
40 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health the stage of planning of the proposed nursing unit for Virginia, County Cavan; when it is proposed lo have tenders invited in respect of this building; when construction work will commence: the level of funding, if any, which will be provided for this project in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11078/97]
41 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health the stage of planning of the proposed nursing unit for Ballyconnell, County Cavan; when it is proposed to have tenders invited in respect of this building; when construction work will commence: the level of funding, if any, which will be provided for this project in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/97]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.
The provision of long-stay units in County Cavan is, in the first instance, a matter for the North-Eastern Health Board.
I am making a capital grant of £200,000 available to the North-Eastern Health Board to enable the remaining stages of planning in respect of the nursing units at Virginia and Ballyconnell to be completed, which will be towards the end of this year. The question of proceeding with the invitation of tenders for the construction of the buildings will be considered at that stage.
