Vol. 540 No. 2
137 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the direction and quantum of the outcome which will happen in the north-west region in the area of health care component in terms of capital expenditure under the national development plan up to the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20238/01]
My Department has indicated funding levels to the North-Western Health Board under the national development plan for the period 2001 to 2006. The board has been asked to formulate a plan in line with the funding levels indicated to it and to prioritise projects on this basis for future planning purposes.
The funding available each year, over the life of the NDP, to health boards will depend on a number of factors including adjustments in respect of various issues such as inflation, changing service priorities, technological developments, new clinical practices, progress on the delivery of specific projects and market capacity in the construction industry.
Health board plans are expected to evolve over the period of the NDP in line with prevailing service, financial and operational circumstances. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to project the progress on all individual projects proposed under the NDP or indeed to project the quantum of outcomes resulting from the plans of the boards.
The prioritisation and delivery of individual projects within the NDP is the primary responsibility of the North-Western Health Board. I have asked its chief executive officer to provide the Deputy with any specific information he may require.
