Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 282: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the new capital projects associated with her Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; her views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3169/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Developing and improving our overall infrastructure, including health infrastructure is crucial to Ireland's economic future. In 2010, the Health Sector will benefit from a total capital investment of €483.842m which will help to stimulate economic growth through the progression of wide range of capital health developments countrywide.

A draft capital plan for the period 2010 - 2014 has been submitted to my Department 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.

I have asked the HSE to provide details of capital projects currently under construction.

The HSE has carefully managed its capital programme following confirmation of revisions to its capital envelope in 2009, so as to ensure, inter alia, that construction tenders where issued, related to priority projects expected to proceed without delay to completion. I have requested the HSE to provide details of any projects previously tendered that will not proceed in 2010, following approval of the capital plan.