Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Finucane for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline the need for an Alzheimer's unit at St. Ita's Hospital at Newcastle West. This is an issue in which Senator Finucane and some of his Oireachtas colleagues have taken a great interest for a number of years.

The provision of health services in County Limerick is a matter for the Health Service Executive, mid-western area, in the first instance. In 2000, as part of the national development plan, it was agreed that a project team be established for the development of a ten-bed elderly mentally infirm unit at St. Ita's Hospital, Newcastle West. The project team subsequently decided that the development should be increased to a 12 bed unit. The scope of this development is in keeping with the objectives laid down in the report, The Years Ahead — A Policy for the Elderly, and will comprise bed accommodation and ancillary facilities initially for 12 in-patients, including up to a maximum of four dedicated respite beds.

Provision has been made for this development within the health capital investment framework, 2005-09. Planning permission for the proposed development has been obtained from the local planning authority. The former Mid-Western Health Board submitted documentation to the Department of Health and Children in regard to this project with a request for approval to seek tenders for construction of the unit. The management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004.

In the letter which issued yesterday to the Health Service Executive, the Tánaiste has conveyed agreement that the executive is now authorised to proceed with the programme of works for 2005. The Senator is already aware that this project is included in that programme. I understand from the Health Service Executive that the project will now be progressed. However, I cannot give an exact date but the money has been provided and I will ensure there is no further delay in progressing the matter.