Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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82. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the proposed 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43604/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to provide a 50 bed ward block to replace existing ward accommodation at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe. Funding has already been made available to bring the project to the design and planning stage. The ward block has now received planning permission.

Following publication of the Budget and estimates last week, the HSE is preparing a Capital Plan for 2019, having regard to the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. On completion of the Capital Plan, it will be submitted to my Department for consideration. It requires my approval together with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The HSE is concentrating on applying the funding available for infrastructure development in the most effective way possible to meet current and future needs.