Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004
150 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with the extension to Schull Community Hospital, in view of the fact that the draft design brief was sent by the health board to her Department more than two years ago; the action which has occurred in the meantime; the prospective timetable for the completion of this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24883/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft design brief for this proposed development was prepared by a project team established by the Southern Health Board and submitted to my Department. The proposal to provide an extension to the Community Hospital, Schull, can only be considered by my Department, in conjunction with the Southern Health Board, in the context of prioritising new capital commitments under the health capital investment framework 2004-08. This will have to take account of the funding resources, both capital and non-capital, required for the project, in line with the overall resources available to my Department.
In the period since the draft brief was submitted, various other capital priorities have been progressed for the board, including the Community Hospital at Bandon. In the circumstances, it is not yet possible to give a timescale for the completion of this proposed development. My Department fully appreciates the need for improved infrastructural works at the hospital and will continue to liaise closely with the Southern Health Board in the matter.
