Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he intends taking to ensure the HSE can deliver more rapidly on building projects, such as health centres, nursing homes and ambulance bases, for community care services under the various CHOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60527/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Health capital investment decisions are informed by Programme for Government priorities, sectoral policies, strategies and reform initiatives as set out in Sláintecare. The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the lifecycle approach of the Public Spending Code (PSC).

My Department engages with the Health Services Executive (HSE) in planning for and delivery of capital projects in the Health Sector. Project prioritisation in the health sector is driven by healthcare needs. The HSE’s service directorate must determine the service need and the most appropriate model of care. The development of new /refurbished healthcare facilities anywhere in the country cannot be seen in isolation or separate from the delivery of related health care services. Therefore, the determination of the specific model of care and how where it interfaces with the wider health service is the critical element in the specification or project brief that determines the type of facility to be provided. 

To strengthen the capital investment process, my Department is currently developing a Strategic Health Investment Framework to enhance the process of ensuring investments are evidenced based, equitable, and that Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes. This will enhance the efficient delivery of capital projects in the health system across the State.