Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether the €9 million additional funding for the expansion of existing services or the provision of new services in acute hospitals is adequate to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4646/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In order to respond to increasing demand for hospital services, Budget 2017 provides an additional €118 million for hospital services in 2017.

Of this funding, €109m will be used to maintain our existing level of service to take into account the costs associated with: our aging demographics; meeting increased demand for medicines, medical technology and procedures in hospitals. This funding will also provide for the costs associated with the restoration of payments to staff under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

In addition, €9m has been allocated to expand existing, or develop new acute hospital services in 2017.

In order to increase capacity in acute hospitals, €1.4m has been allocated to open a new Emergency Department in University Hospital Limerick, and a further €1m has been allocated to the opening of a new 75 bed ward block in University Hospital Galway.

The setting of budgets for individual hospitals and the hospital groups, including the allocation of the remaining €6.6m of new development funding, is currently being finalised by the HSE as part of the development of hospital group operational plans.

New developments to be funded from the €6.6m include: additional ICU and HDU beds at Cork University Hospital; cardiology services at Waterford University Hospital; Phase 2 of a new AMAU for Portlaoise Hospital; implementation of the new Cancer Strategy; and implementation of the All-Island Paediatric Cardiology Service.

My Department is currently engaging with the HSE with respect to finalising the funding allocations associated with these new developments. The 2017 HSE National Service Plan outlines the HSE's need during 2017 to continue to pursue increased efficiency, value for money and budgetary control in delivering safe and effective healthcare services within its budget allocation.