Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the capital grants available for construction or refurbishment of nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12493/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Upon its completion, the Community Nursing Unit (CNU) programme which commenced in 2006 will have delivered approximately 2,246 beds - comprising 879 additional and 1,367 replacement beds. Between 2006 and 2010 approximately €442m Exchequer capital funding has been provided for Services for Older People including community nursing units. In order to comply with regulatory requirements, the HSE is now concentrating on the refurbishment and upgrade of existing accommodation.

Any capital development, including grants for the construction or refurbishment of nursing homes, must be considered in the context of the overall HSE Capital Plan. This is a multi-annual programme which is developed over a rolling five year period. In drawing up its capital programme for the current 2011-2015 period the HSE is required to prioritise capital infrastructure projects within the overall capital funding allocation.

Given the level of contractual commitments already in place, there is limited funding available for new contracts before 2014. The HSE has submitted its draft capital plan for the multi-annual period 2011-2015. It is essential to assess all projects, other than those where existing contractual commitments are in place, on their merits to ensure that the limited capital funding available goes to those developments which are of highest national importance. This draft plan is under consideration and requires my approval together with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.