Written answers
Tuesday, 2 November 2004
Department of Health and Children
Accident and Emergency Services
9:00 pm
Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the statement of need for a new accident and emergency department submitted in March 2002 by Kerry General Hospital management and staff; and when a response will be expected and a commitment to take prompt action on this request. [26928/04]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 230: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to develop a new accident and emergency department at a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry; if plans for such a development were received by her Department circa March 2002; the reason there has been no response to the plans submitted; if revised plans have subsequently been received by her Department; if those plans are being considered; if such plans will be approved and funding provided; if she will respond to the needs of the accident and emergency department at the hospital by considering these plans speedily; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27052/04]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 230 together.
My Department has been aware since 2002 of a proposal to develop new accident and emergency infrastructure at Tralee General Hospital. It has not been possible for my Department in the intervening period to commit to this proposal, in the light of competing demands generally on the health capital programme and given the significant capital and non-capital funding implications involved in this particular case. The proposed development has, however, been included this year within the new health capital investment framework 2004 to 2008.
The proposed scheme consists of renovation works at, and a new extension to, the existing accident and emergency department at Tralee General Hospital. A draft brief has been prepared by the Southern Health Board. The next step in relation to this proposal would be formal approval of the brief and appointment of a design team, followed by detailed planning. These issues are at present being examined by my Department in the context of new capital commitments that can be progressed under the framework for 2005 or beyond, in line with overall funding resources available during the period of the framework.
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