Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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433. To ask the Minister for Health to review a case (details supplied); if he will examine this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37398/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter for the HSE, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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434. To ask the Minister for Health if he will make available funding streams for HSE core-funded elderly care projects to apply for capital funding for a minivan. [37402/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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New Infrastructure Guidelines, which supersede the Public Spending Code (PSC), were introduced on 1^st January 2024. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to implement the new Infrastructure Guidelines.

The HSE have robust systems and procedures to appraise, manage, and deliver infrastructure projects required for the provision of health services. These are detailed in the HSE Capital Projects Manual and Approvals Protocol.

The development of new or refurbished healthcare facilities anywhere in the country cannot be seen in isolation or separate from the delivery of related health care services. Project proposals must be approved by the relevant HSE Directorate before being submitted by to the HSE National Capital and Property Steering Committee (NC&PSC).

Projects are appraised by the NC&PSC to ensure compliance with service priorities and policies, and to ensure alignment with the National Service Plan and Capital Plan. The NCPSC then recommend projects for inclusion in the Capital Investment Programme. It must be noted that the pipeline of capital projects inevitably exceeds available funding, and a prioritisation process is applied in the development of the annual capital plan.

In addition to the above processes and in order to enhance capital investment, the Department of Health has developed a strategic health investment framework (SHIF) to ensure that investments are evidenced based, equitable, and ensure Sláintecare reforms are achieved, with the overall objective of having better health outcomes for the population of Ireland.

Furthermore, my colleague Minister Stephen Donnelly and I recently announced an additional €10 million in funding for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels community care services.

Approximately 400 Section 39 Health Service Executive (HSE) funded community providers across Ireland will be eligible to apply for this increased funding, with up to €25,000 per organisation available, to be used for implementation of improved service provision.

The funding is designed to support improvements to the physical premises for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services. It can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities, and to purchase vehicles or equipment.

Older Persons Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services offer a safe and welcoming environment where people can access essential services as well as engage in social activities. These core services foster a sense of community and well-being, providing wraparound supports that work alongside home support to keep people well at home for longer.

This funding initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing community-based services and supporting the well-being of individuals across the country age well in their own homes.

This funding will be administered through the HSE Regional Health Areas (RHAs) and will be open to all HSE funded day care and Meals on Wheels services that currently have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or are currently engaging with the HSE to provide such services.

Further details on this grant funding and application process will be communicated directly to services in the coming weeks. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing community-based services and supporting the well-being of individuals across the country.