Vol. 545 No. 4
255 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the parts of the national development plan or the projects which have been put on hold or slowed down as a result of the downturn in the economy and the accompanying shortfall in incoming revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30691/01]
My Department has overall strategic responsibility for the NDP to develop health service infrastructure in a co-ordinated and effective manner. The prioritisation and delivery of individual capital projects at local level is primarily a matter for health boards, in agreement with my Department. Health boards were asked by my Department to develop plans under the NDP in line with funding resources available. These plans are expected to evolve over the period of the NDP in line with prevailing service, financial and operational circumstances.
The changing economic circumstances have not affected the projects approved by my Department which are in construction or in the planning phase. While it is not possible at present to precisely indicate the future impact of changing economic circumstances on the NDP for the health services generally, or on individual projects, the Government has indicated its strong commitment to the continued development of health infrastructure as a priority under the plan.
