Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
170. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if extra money is being allocated to the Department of Health to cover the extra costs projected for the national children’s hospital in 2019; the areas from which these moneys will come; if moneys will come from the capital envelopes in other Departments; if so, the Departments in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3065/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is engaging with the Department of Health on the topic of the National Children’s Hospital, and how the increased costs of the project will be managed within the overall agreed NDP capital allocations. To that end, the Government has decided that in relation to the 2019 increased costs, €50 million will have to be found within the 2019 capital allocation for the Department of Health, with the remaining €49 million to be met by reallocation within the overall €1.5 billion (26%) increase on the 2018 REV allocation for all Departments.
The Deputy will appreciate that, even with this adjustment, all sectors will still receive substantial additional resources in 2019 to pursue their priority projects. Public investment this year will reach 3.5% of national income (GNI*) compared to an EU average in recent years of 2.7% (GDP).
My officials are currently engaging with the Department of Health on the funding requirements for the National Children's Hospital over the period to 2022. When that engagement is complete, I expect to revert to Government with proposals in relation to how the increased costs of the project will be met, within the existing agreed annual NDP ceilings.
