Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Health if the Sláintecare estimate of 2,600 for new acute beds is provided for in the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41787/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy refers to the findings of the Health Service Capacity Review, which highlighted the need for some 2,600 additional hospital beds over the next 15 years. The National Development Plan investment of €10.9bn in overall health infrastructure, includes various projects for increased capacity. 

The Health Service Executive is currently engaging with my department to finalise its Capital Plan for 2021. The HSE Capital Plan will determine the projects, including those for additional capacity, that can progress in 2021 and beyond having regard to the available funding.

Projects and programmes outlined in this plan are contributing to delivering the goals and aims included in the ‘Sláintecare Implementation Strategy’ and the ‘National Development Plan 2018-2027’.  

It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.

The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.