Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on comments by the HSE that the health services funding is insufficient for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15414/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The recently published Revised Estimates for Public Services set out the funding available to the Health Service Executive in 2005. This funding takes into account general factors such as pay and non-pay increases and allows for the continuance of service levels generally together with additional funding of €200 million for the following priority service areas: disability, accident and emergency and additional medical cards. The Estimates also provide for additional capital funding for the health capital investment framework which was provided in budget 2005.

The interim CEO of the HSE has indicated that a value for money programme will be implemented by the executive during 2005, which will generate appropriate savings and ensure that service levels are maintained.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has now sanctioned funding for the opening of the Ballymun Health Centre; when she expects that the centre will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15346/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, 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 funding of the Ballymun Health Centre, including the fit out and equipping of the facility.

Earlier this year I confirmed approval for the completion and fit out of this facility and I asked the HSE to proceed with it as quickly as logistically possible. As I have previously indicated, the HSE is responsible for the funding, timeframe and actual delivery of this project, which I am advised will take nine months to complete.

The HSE has informed me that it has put the necessary funding in place to carry out this work and that contractual arrangements have been finalised to progress the project. This work will commence before the end of this month.