National Maternity Strategy Implementation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2019

Thursday, 21 February 2019

Ceisteanna (119)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if implementation of the new national maternity strategy will be delayed or modified due to the rescheduling of funding for certain projects to offset the cost overrun at the new national children’s hospital; the degree of implementation of the national maternity strategy in County Donegal to date; the way in which implementation in County Donegal will be affected in the event of funding rescheduling taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8785/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The new children’s hospital is a vital and much needed project. The Government has examined the funding pressures associated with delivering this important project and has made adjustments to capital allocations to ensure that the new children’s hospital will be delivered. My Department and the HSE are currently engaged in a process to finalise the HSE Capital Plan for 2019. The HSE Capital Plan will determine the projects that can progress in 2019, and beyond, having regard to the total available capital funding and the relevant priority of each project. All Health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, including maternity projects, are included as part of this process.

I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly in relation to your specific queries on progress made to implement the National Maternity Strategy in Donegal.