John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher, to take this motion on the Adjournment.

I raise the matter of a capital project, which has been proposed by the HSE, and formerly by the North-Western Health Board, entailing the provision of a community care facility and small hospital in Ballinamore, County Leitrim. This was sanctioned in 2002 and was given the go-ahead then.

On numerous occasions since then I have raised this with the HSE, both locally and nationally. It appears that when I raised it here in September or October with the Minister, Deputy Harney, she pursued the HSE, which the following day phoned officials in the local office in the north west and told them to proceed. Until recently however, they have not received the proper confirmation to allow them to move to the next stage. I hope that tonight the Minister of State will be able to inform us when they will be in a position to move to the next stage.

This community facility is badly needed. At present, there are people occupying beds in general hospitals who could be accommodated in such a facility, if it were provided. I hope the Minister of State can tell me the up to date position and give me a definite date with regard to proceeding on this project.