Bernard Allen
Ceist:152 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he refused to give approval for a multi-million pound move to a new site planned by the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2. [20346/01]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.
My Department has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the national development plan so as to develop the health service infrastructure in a co-ordinated and effective manner. The detailed management of capital projects within the NDP, including the prioritisation and delivery of projects, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority in this instance.
In 2000 my Department indicated the funding available to the ERHA under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. In March, at short notice, my Department received an outline proposal from the ERHA for the purchase of land by the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street which, it was suggested, might accommodate a relocation of the hospital to a site adjacent to St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park at a very significant cost estimate. The ERHA indicated that it had not got the resources available to it to meet this acquisition or for the overall development. Having considered the matter on the basis of the information supplied, my Department advised the ERHA that there must be clear prioritisation in regard to projects that can be delivered within the authority's NDP.
Despite the many pressures on the NDP, both within the acute and non-acute hospital sectors in the ERHA covering many vulnerable groups such as older people, persons with disabilities and children, my Department advised the ERHA that if it felt that the project was a higher priority for the same level of investment than other projects that it would have further discussions with the ERHA on the matter.
The existing planning project for the current site of the National Maternity Hospital could cost in the region of £25 million and will deliver more space and facilities for the hospital generally. This project has been agreed with the hospital's board. It will be of considerable benefit to the hospital in regard to the upgrading of facilities and the development of key areas such as neonatal ICU and delivery suites.