Hospitals Building Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2007

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Ceisteanna (437)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

453 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the proposal for private hospitals on public hospital land; if decisions have been made as to which proposals have been accepted; the position in relation to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; the proposals or tenders that have been received in relation to a private hospital on the grounds of Connolly Hospital; if a decision has been reached; the decision that has been made; the name of the developer or group putting forward such proposals; the size of the proposed hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14874/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

On foot of a Government decision, I issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in July 2005 on the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals in order to free up 1,000 beds for public patients.

My Department has been informed by the HSE that Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents were issued to the shortlisted bidders on Thursday 19th April 2007 in relation to the following public hospital sites:

1 Waterford Regional Hospital

2 Cork University Hospital

3 Limerick Regional Hospital

4 Sligo General Hospital

5 Beaumont Hospital

6 St. James's Hospital

It is expected that the Invitations To Tender for Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown) and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght) will issue at a later date.

Tenders are due to be submitted to the HSE by 17th May 2007. The HSE will evaluate the tenders and select the successful bidders during the following 2 weeks. Following that a "stand still" period of 2 weeks is required by procurement law before agreements can be signed with successful bidders.