James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the urgently needed completion of phase 2B Longford/Westmeath General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17477/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Phase 2B of the development of the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar is divided into two stages. The completion of the first stage of the project will increase the bed complement from 215 to 244. This phase includes the fit out of the existing ward shells, the refurbishment of the existing paediatric and obstetric wards and an interim Special Care Baby Unit. The HSE has advised that the fit out of the existing ward shells is scheduled for completion by the end of September. These wards will then be utilised to facilitate the completion of the refurbishment of the existing paediatric and obstetric wards and the development of the interim Special Care Baby Unit.

The second stage of the project, which proposes to increase the bed complement to 324, is estimated to cost in the region of €48 million. It includes a new Acute Psychiatric Department, an Intensive Care Unit, a new Medicine for Elderly/Rehabilitation Unit, increased capacity in the Medical Assessment Unit and increased capacity for day procedures.

In accordance with Department of Finance requirements, any capital project in the Health Sector costing more than €30 million requires a detailed cost benefit analysis. My Department is advised by the HSE that this analysis has now been completed in respect of the second stage of the Phase 2B development at Mullingar and is due to be considered by the Executive shortly.