Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I sometimes get a little worried when people use the phrase "it is my understanding" and I had hoped for something a little stronger. The Minister of State indicated that Beaumont Hospital is currently in the process of finalising business cases for these new developments but it is my understanding that the hospital had completed its business case for the accident and emergency department because it was handed to me almost a year ago. It details the €45 million it feels would be required for it.

He stated the business cases would be reviewed by the HSE capital and property steering group, which approves projects for inclusion in the multi-annual capital plan in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines. The business case has been finalised, in my opinion, but the Minister of State's reply indicates it will be reviewed by the capital and property steering group, and that as part of the process, funding provision will be made available for the planning and design phases of the proposed new developments in preparation for the capital plan review in 2017.

I was hoping there would be a commitment that the capital plan, as already outlined by the senior management in Beaumont Hospital, of which I have a copy, is being taken seriously and will be delivered. The reply seems to suggest the business plan has not been finalised but it has been. The reply also implies that it will be reviewed. The community in the Minister of State's constituency was hoping for something a little stronger. I totally understand there are other issues, including staffing and demographics that are particular to Beaumont and the wider area. The business case has been produced and I am worried about timelines and the commitment that can be given about the delivery of the physical infrastructure that the hospital says it needs. Currently, it cannot stand over the service it provides, which I am sure the Minister of State will agree is extremely worrying.