Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Health and Children

Departmental Expenditure

9:00 pm

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the €17 million to support suitable projects that demonstrate innovation in service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48522/09]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government has made available additional resources to assist the HSE in responding to priority demographic and other needs, particularly for older people, children and cancer care, and to support ongoing reform of the public health services. In addition, a minimum of €17m is available in Innovation funding from the total provision of €33m previously made available to support innovation in service delivery. It is expected that more funding will be released during the course of this year from projects approved in 2008 that have completed their funding phase.

I believe the arrival of a National Director of Quality and Clinical Care, Assistant National Directors for Care Groups and Clinical Directors under the new consultants' contract provides an opportunity to accelerate service reform. I have advised the HSE that I am happy for consideration to be given to how the Innovation Fund can be used to support once-off, start up costs associated with the implementation of care pathways so as to improve quality and eliminate unnecessary cost. I have asked the HSE to set out the proposed approach to the use of the Innovation Fund in the National Service Plan 2010. The Plan is currently under consideration by my Department and once approved, it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published. Progress on the Innovation Fund will be reported in the HSE's monthly performance reports on the Plan.

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the capital budget for each of the past five years; the capital budget for 2010; the small number of priority projects that will be initiated in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48523/09]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the publication of a five-year capital programme including details on all projects, cost, the location of these projects, the completion dates for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48524/09]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.

The capital budget for the Health Service Executive for the period 2005 to 2009 was as follows: 2005: €564.063m, 2006: €574.556m, 2007: €524.951m, 2008: €593.720m, 2009: €442.763m. The 2010 capital provision is €436.792m.

A draft capital plan for the period 2010 - 2014 was submitted to my Department last Friday (15th January) by the Health Service Executive. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.

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