Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 569: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the capital projects that are underway or are in the design or planning process under her Department; if attempts have been made to achieve cost reductions on these projects in view of changing economic circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34453/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive is currently progressing a large number of projects under its ongoing capital programme. The HSE continues to pursue all available options to ensure that best value for money is obtained for capital projects, including competitive tendering and the application of reductions in professional fees under Government policy. In line with recent general trends for capital investments, significant cost reductions are being achieved by the HSE, particularly in relation to the construction phase of all newly-contracted capital projects. The question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply in relation to the details of the projects being progressed.

The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs provides capital funding support for the development and refurbishment of childcare facilities under the National Childcare Investment Programme. Approximately one thousand such projects have or are being supported under this programme and a 25% reduction has been sought on the projected construction costs of projects that have not yet reached an advanced stage of development. The replacement Cork centre for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is currently in the design process.