Vol. 576 No. 1
250 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of an extension to Kenmare District Hospital, Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29115/03]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of health services in the Kerry area rests with the Southern Health Board in the first instance. The Southern Health Board included a proposal to develop a 14 bed extension to Kenmare Community Hospital as part of its national development plan, 2000-06. This was scheduled to commence during the latter part of the plan. The board completed a draft accommodation brief for the project which was submitted to my Department earlier this year.
My Department is 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 Southern Health Board regarding the proposed development at Kenmare Community Hospital in light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
