I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 250 and 251 together.
In accordance with Department of Finance requirements, no capital project in the Health Sector costing more than €30 million can proceed without a detailed cost benefit analysis being completed. Capital projects at the following locations are affected by this requirement — Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital , Drogheda, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire and Phase 2B Stage 2 of the Longford/Westmeath Hospital at Mullingar.
In relation to Longford/Westmeath Hospital, it should be noted that the completion of Stage 1 of Phase 2B of the development is not affected. This involves the fitting out of ward accommodation in a shelled-out area that was constructed in the 1990s and will provide a net increase of 45 beds. This project went to tender on 23 June last and the target date for completion is mid-2007.
As regards the questions raised in relation to Stage 2 of Phase 2B, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.