Vol. 573 No. 1
226 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the submission made to him on 8 October 2002 on the planning brief for Tuam Hospital; if his Department has examined the submission; the outcome of such an examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24456/03]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Galway area rests with the Western Health Board in the first instance. My Department received the planning brief for Tuam hospital from the board in October 2002. My Department is at present examining the health capital programme for 2004 and beyond to ascertain what new projects can be progressed through either planning or construction stages, taking account of existing commitments and overall funding resources available. It is in this context that my Department will continue to liaise with the Western Health Board regarding the proposed development at Tuam Hospital in light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
