Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2004
177 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the North Eastern Health Board has not created one extra care for the elderly bed in County Meath to meet the needs of an increasing population; the action he and his Department propose to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in County Meath is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the North Eastern Health Board. The board informs me that it proposes to construct a new 34 bed community nursing unit in Navan to replace the county infirmary. This will increase the bed provision in Meath by 14 beds. In addition, a day hospital will be provided as part of the development.
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 North Eastern Health Board regarding the proposed development in Navan in the light of the board's overall capital funding priorities.
