Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, the allocated budget in 2012 for fit-out and refurbishments of hospitals here; if such works have been affected by fiscal constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33159/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the key fit-out and refurbishment projects undertaken over the past three years in hospitals here; if there are any significant upcoming projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33160/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together.

There are always more infrastructure projects than can be funded from the Exchequer's health capital allocation. The Health Service Executive's 2012 health capital allocation for health infrastructure at €334m represents 61% of its 2008 allocation. All projects must be considered in the context of the HSE's overall capital programme which is a multi-annual programme developed over a rolling five year period. The Executive is required to prioritise capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. Therefore it is essential to assess all projects other than those where there are existing capital commitments in place, on their merits, to ensure that the limited capital funding available goes to those developments which are of the highest national importance. The proposed Capital Plan 2012-2016 requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I am in the process of approving this plan and seeking consent. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.

Delivery of health infrastructure in a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.