Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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436. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the development of new hospitals in Cork; the status of progress; the timelines; the funding that has been ring-fenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53121/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Development Plan 2018-2027 outlines that new dedicated ambulatory/elective-only hospital facilities will be delivered in Dublin, Galway and Cork to tackle waiting lists and provide access to diagnostic services.

As is to be expected with a ten-year plan, many proposals, including the elective-only hospital in Cork, are at early stages and, in line with the Public Spending Code, will require to progress through appraisal, planning, design and tender stages before a firm location, timeline or funding required can be established.

The Sláintecare Action Plan for 2019 includes a commitment to develop criteria for new dedicated ambulatory elective-only hospital facilities. Detailed policy analysis to underpin this very significant health capital development is required to guide service and operational specifications for the new facilities. This work is currently being directed by an Elective Hospital Oversight Group, which draws upon international evidence, including the merits of stand-alone facilities or dedicated facilities on the site of a general hospital.