Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Health the capital budget of the Health Service Executive over the next five years, nationally and on a regional basis. [37197/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government announced in the context of the publication of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework that the Health Service Executive's health capital allocation is to be maintained at €1,870m. Of this figure €1,670m over the five year period or €334m per year is allocated to building, equipping and furnishing of health facilities. The remaining €200m over the period or €40m per year is allocated to the HSE ICT infrastructure. Minister Howlin also announced that additional capital funding would be made available from a special lottery initiative. This is tangible evidence, in a time of fiscal consolidation, that the Government remains committed to supporting crucial health infrastructure development and delivering on its Programme for Government commitment which states that "health capital spending will be a priority".

Following the publication of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework, the Health Service Executive will commence drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.