James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the five properties that developers have publically expressed an interest in purchasing according to reports (details supplied); the expected timing of the disposal of 22 properties listed in the national press as probably up for sale by her Department or the Health Service Executive; the locations at which the proceeds of such sales will end up in the first instance; if the funds will be ringfenced for further investment in health facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4180/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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'A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy recommended that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the new mental health service infrastructure requirement. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.

The HSE has developed a strategy for the phased closure of the remaining hospitals and the relocation of patients to more appropriate community based accommodation, in line with the recommendations in 'A Vision for Change'.

The arrangements for property disposal require Department of Finance approval in each case, the lodging of the proceeds as Exchequer Extra Receipts and the re-Voting of the funds for approved projects. A submission detailing the priority projects to be funded from the proceeds of the disposal of psychiatric lands is expected to be made by the HSE, for consideration by my Department and the Department of Finance, within the coming months. It is envisaged that this submission will provide an opportunity to achieve overall agreement on the extent and timing of property disposals to facilitate the modernisation of the mental health infrastructure.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to disclose at this time, any details of expressions of interest made to me in relation to individual properties.