Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
419. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he requested the HSE to include the opening of 33 new beds in St. Michael’s unit in Tipperary University Hospital in the 2022 HSE Capital Plan; if so, the date; and the specific means by which the instruction was given (details supplied). [7222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The following revised reply was received on 15 February 2022.
The Capital Plan 2022 is based on funding of €1.025bn an increase of 4% on 2021 and provides for progression of key projects across sector and the country.
The HSE Capital Plan is developed with the engagement of myself, my Department and the HSE.
Investment decisions in the sector are informed by health policies and strategies. At executive level the HSE is the Sponsoring Agency for the delivery most health infrastructure. The HSE Board approved Capital Plan is submitted to me for my approval along with the NSP.
In developing the Capital Plan, the number of projects competing for inclusion invariably exceeds the funding available. It is therefore necessary to carry out a robust appraisal and then prioritisation exercise to ensure that best value is achieved from the available capital budget. Robust systems and procedures have been developed in the sector which are in line with the Public Spending Code, to appraise, manage and deliver health infrastructure projects.
These systems and procedures of appraisal are applied in all cases, including the case of assessment and consideration of the project of 33 beds in St Michael’s Unit in Tipperary.
