Capital Expenditure.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2005

Tuesday, 29 November 2005

Ceisteanna (218)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

207 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the projects which have been subjected to detailed cost benefit appraisal in the past six months; the benefit cost ratio which emerged from this test; if she has satisfied herself that projects being selected not only pass this test but represent a better return than competing uses for the same limited funds; and the way in which this process influences the size of the capital envelope for different project areas. [37347/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The health capital programme from this year relates to both my Department and the Health Service Executive. The small number of projects relating to my Department commenced prior to the period raised by the Deputy and, as these were considered necessary for the safe and efficient delivery of services, there was no formal cost benefit analysis. The progression of most projects under the health capital programme is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004.

Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.