Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, who apologises for her absence. I thank the Deputy for raising the question as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to this House the current position with regard to the extension to Kenmare Community Hospital in County Kerry.

It is the Government's policy to maintain older people in dignity and independence at home in accordance with their wishes while, at the same time, providing high quality residential care for older people when living at home is no longer possible. The Government's commitment to the development of a comprehensive range of services for older people has been clearly demonstrated by the significantly increased resources made available in recent years. From 1997 to 2005, inclusive, additional spending on health care services for older people amounted to more than €302 million. In the budget package for 2006 additional revenue funding of €150 million in full year costs was allocated for services for older people.

The prioritisation of all health capital developments is a matter for the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has advised that the provision of a 14-bed extension to Kenmare Community Hospital has been considered for inclusion in its multiannual capital programme for the period 2006 to 2010. The Kenmare project involves the re-planning of existing accommodation and addition of new accommodation to provide an integrated 40-bed hospital to meet current standards of care. The HSE has completed a draft accommodation brief for the enlargement of the hospital.

The HSE has confirmed that this project did not commence in 2006 due to competing demands for capital funding, including other significant capital projects in County Kerry which required investment in 2006. However, it has also advised that the capital programme will be reviewed and reprioritised annually. Depending on available resources and the progress of other projects, proposed developments such as the extension to Kenmare Community Hospital will be reconsidered by the HSE for inclusion in its revised future capital programme. The programme for 2007 is due to be submitted by the HSE to the Department shortly. I will ensure the case made by Senator Coghlan is brought to the Minister's attention.