Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her subsequent statement. In 2020, €4.6 million was provided by the HSE to the Rotunda Hospital to address capacity and infrastructural needs. Given the age and condition of the original hospital, additional funding of €100,000 has been provided by the HSE to the Rotunda to prepare a strategic assessment report and preliminary business case in support of the proposed critical care wing, as required under the public spending code. A projected €250,000 will be allocated in 2021 to assist further in progressing proposals to address areas of critical risk in the existing hospital buildings.

The proposed interim upgrade works are intended to address the key clinical risks and capacity concerns identified by the hospital prior to its co-location with Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown in line with programme for Government commitments. All capital development proposals must progress through a number of approved stages in line with the public spending code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirements can be established. Approval must be received for each stage to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable and that sufficient moneys are available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.

The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and subject to a number of key considerations, including service prioritisation, classification of scope, determination of affordability and the successful completion of the various capital project approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery. However, I will bring the Senator's concerns to the Minister. I suggest that she write to him. There has been a previous visit. It is the oldest hospital in the world and the busiest in Ireland, with more than 8,000 babies delivered per year, and that is aside from the gynaecological work that is done in the hospital. This matter is of major concern to the Senator and many other people, including me.