Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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460. To ask the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive estates that are delaying the tendering process for the new endoscopy unit at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare; if this matter can be expedited without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33313/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I want to advise the Deputy that the HSE is not intentionally delaying the tendering process. The project to be delivered at Naas General Hospital is more extensive than the endoscopy services department referred to. In addition it includes accommodation and ancillary services to support the new physical medicine, physical therapy, oncology services and day procedures departments. All stages of capital projects, including the design and tendering processes, are subject to review to ensure that the projects deliver value for money. This includes, where possible, 'future proofing' to ensure that capital developments meet not just current standards but that provision is made for additional capacity and/or improved equipping and that these are addressed appropriately. In this regard the strategic upgrade to the specification which the project's design and tender documents will reflect are - a duplex (rather than simplex) reverse osmosis filtration system and two lifts. Currently, HSE Estates is in consultation with the hospital's clinical leads to ensure that the project's specification and building tender documents are fully defined as soon as is possible. The HSE must also ensure that its tendering documents are comprehensive and comply with national guidelines and EU directives.