Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

Any proposals on the infrastructural development on this site would, in the first instance, have to be put forward by the HSE as part of its agreed capital programme for 2009 or beyond. This would have to take account of priorities determined nationally by the executive, including decisions regarding new community facilities coming on stream or the replacement or up-grading of long-term residential facilities generally.

Such initiatives have to be in line with agreed capital envelopes and identify any additional revenue or staffing implications arising from this particular project. It is only in this context that the proposed re-development of the Meath Hospital site, whether on a phased basis or otherwise, can be progressed. I understand that officials from the HSE local health office and HSE estates met local public representatives on 21 April last and apprised them of the situation on this issue.

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