Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a bed crisis in Wexford General Hospital, that the accident and emergency department is not able to cope with the number of patients that are going through it and that there is a crisis in the outpatients department; if her attention has further been drawn to the number of day procedures that are cancelled on a daily basis; the action she will take to improve the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13391/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will visit Wexford General Hospital or meet a delegation comprising the Wexford Oireachtas members and a number of consultants and representatives from Wexford General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13392/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Wexford General Hospital has been promised a 19-bed unit since 2002; when this promise will be delivered upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13393/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the new Health Service Executive has outlined the crisis in Wexford General Hospital since 1 January 2005; if so, when and the action she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13394/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 221, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the difficulties being experienced at Wexford General Hospital. The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Wexford General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to reply directly to the Deputy.

The detailed capital funding programme for hospitals for 2005 is being finalised in the context of the capital investment framework 2005 to 2009. This process is expected to be concluded in the near future and the HSE will then be in a position to progress its capital programme, in line with overall funding resources available in 2005 and beyond. It is my intention to meet members of the Oireachtas from the area once the capital investment framework has been finalised. I will be in touch with the Deputy again on the matter as soon as possible.