Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dates in 2002, 2003 and 2004 on which the capital programme for the health services was discussed with her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29808/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, since I took up office in late September 2004, I have had numerous discussions, both formal and informal, within and outside my Department about the capital programme for the health service. These discussions, some of which are ongoing, range from those with Government colleagues through to the Department of Finance, the Health Service Executive and capital matters pertaining to various health agencies in the voluntary sector.

In the circumstances, given the scope of discussions I have engaged in relating to the significant capital programme for the health service, it would be unrealistic to provide the dates of all such discussions. Should the Deputy require dates of any specific discussion, I will be happy to pursue the matter direct with him if he provides me with the necessary detail.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dates in 2002, 2003 and 2004 on which management advisory committee-chief executive officer meetings were held; and the capital programme for the health service which was discussed at those meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29809/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A total of 11 management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held over the three year period 2002 to 2004 inclusive. In 2002, management advisory committee — chief executive officer group meetings were held on 26 February, 24 April, 26 June, 25 September, 19 November and 18 December. In 2003, management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held on 26 February and 16 December. In 2004 management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings were held on 29 March and 18 October.

The minutes of these management advisory committee-chief executive officer group meetings indicate that the following elements of the capital programme were discussed at the following meetings: 18 October 2004, ICT and minor capital were identified as priorities as well as revenue implications and employment control ceilings; 29 March 2004, it was stated that the Department was in discussions with the Department of Finance about the capital investment needs for the 2004 to 2008 period, and priorities were a clear 2004 programme with a substantial increase in ICT over that period and the minor capital programme for 2004.

On 18 December 2002 it was agreed that a minor capital programme was a high priority, if funding allowed, in 2003. On 19 November 2002 it was agreed that it would be possible only to go ahead with existing contracts under the national development plan and that there may not be any money for a minor capital equipment replacement programme. On 25 September 2002 the Department indicated that a key objective of the national development plan was to bring parity between the acute and non-acute spend by the end of 2006. Replacement equipment in the acute sector and health and safety in the non-acute sector would be a priority in the coming year. Work on public private partnership was briefly referred to.

On 24 April 2002 the chief executive officers noted their concern over the lack of funding for equipment in the national development plan and agreed that there was a need to take stock of equipment in 2003 and to organise a new equipment programme.

On 26 February 2002 it was indicated that the national development plan was progressing against a background of high inflation and this was reducing the scale of work that could be carried out. Work was continuing on projects for which there were contractual commitments. The need for a balance between the spend on acute and non-acute sector projects was noted. There was discussion around public private partnerships and the need for any new model to show clear benefits before any pilot.

The chief executive officers highlighted the need to address health and safety capital issues, equipment and ICT systems as most national development plan allocation now proved inadequate to address these needs.