Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue and giving me this opportunity to outline to the House the position regarding the proposed capital developments at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, including the provision of a 50-bed ward block to replace existing ward accommodation and other works such as fire safety upgrade works and the replacement of the existing fluoroscopy room.

Planning permission has been received for a new 50-bed replacement ward block to provide replacement ward accommodation at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, County Galway. The HSE has informed the Department that tender documents are being prepared with a view to progressing the procurement process and commencing an enabling works contract in 2019. Progress in respect of these and all other capital projects are subject to the availability of capital funding.

The health capital allocation in 2019 is €567 million for the construction and equipping of health facilities. Following the publication of the Health Service Executive's national service plan for 2019, the Health Service Executive is currently developing its capital plan for 2019. The HSE capital plan will determine the projects that can progress in 2019 and beyond having regard to the available capital funding, the number of large national capital projects currently under way, the cashflow requirements attaching to each project and the relevant priority. In developing its capital plan for 2019 and future years, the HSE must consider a range of issues, including the expenditure that is contractually committed, the HSE’s annual requirement in regard to meeting risks associated with clinical equipment, ambulances and healthcare infrastructure and the total capital Exchequer funding required for the new children’s hospital in 2019.

The impact of the increased costs for the completion of the new children’s hospital will, based upon the HSE’s analysis and Government priorities, see the timing of non-contracted capital commitments managed within the available health capital allocations. In line with statutory requirements, the Department of Health and the HSE are currently engaged in a process to finalise the HSE capital plan for 2019, informed by the Government decision on the children’s hospital. Details of total capital investment for 2019 will be set out in the plan and the HSE will be required to manage its capital expenditure within the agreed plan.

The future requirements of Portiuncula University Hospital and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process. Once the HSE has finalised its capital plan for 2019, it will then be submitted to the Minister for consideration.