Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale and location within Cavan General Hospital for the additional theatre capacity proposed by the former North Eastern Health Board in its submission of 13 December 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1203/05]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 233: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent and cost of the additional theatre capacity proposed for Cavan General Hospital by the former North Eastern Health Board in its submission of 13 December 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1204/05]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 235: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the commissioning of the 19 additional beds proposed for Cavan General Hospital by the former Northern Eastern Health Board in its submission of 13 December 2004; the areas identified for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1206/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 233 and 235 together.

The planning brief prepared by the former North Eastern Health Board envisages using the existing shelled-out ward accommodation known as surgical three to facilitate the provision of 19 additional beds, and the commissioning of the shelled-out fourth operating theatre. The board estimated the overall capital cost of the proposals in the brief at €6 million.

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, north eastern area, to investigate the position in relation to this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the commissioning of the ten additional day beds approved for Monaghan General Hospital; the areas identified for same; if any request for their provision has been received from the Cavan-Monaghan Hospital Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1205/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's north eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.