My Department has overall strategic responsibility for the NDP to develop the 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 the South Eastern Health Board in this instance.
Health boards, including the South Eastern Health Board, have developed plans under the NDP for the years 2001-2006 in line with the indicative funding levels notified to them by my Department at the commencement of the plan. The health board plans are expected to evolve over the period of the plan in line with prevailing service, financial and operational circumstances.
Accordingly, my Department has written to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board and asked him to reply directly to the Deputy.