Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of extra accommodation at the National Maternity Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34206/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A draft planning brief has been prepared on interim capital works at the National Maternity Hospital. The brief includes proposals designed to increase capacity in delivery rooms, theatres and neo-natal intensive care units, as well as providing improved post-natal facilities for mothers and babies.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.

As part of the executive's responsibility to prepare and submit an annual service plan for my approval, it is obliged under section 31 of the Act to indicate any capital plans proposed by the executive. In this process the executive can be expected to have regard to the full range of potential capital developments, its own criteria in determining priorities, available resources and any other relevant factors.

My Department is awaiting the 2005 service plan from the Heath Service Executive. In the interim, my Department has asked the chief executive of the Health Service Executive, eastern regional area, to investigate the position in relation to this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.