HSE capital plan publication
Deputy Howlin says the HSE capital plan is overdue and fears children’s hospital overruns are displacing other health projects. The Tánaiste says the plan will be published when ready, with 2019 and 2020 spending being finalised and costs factored in.
On my own behalf and that of the Labour Party, I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and his office, all the officers and staff of the House, ushers and everybody who contributes to make this place function. It functions reasonably well, despite everything, and I hope all of us enjoy some rest and reflective time because the next Dáil session will be challenging.
Other Deputies have talked about different aspects of the health service today. The HSE's capital plan for this year has not been published. That is surely a ludicrous situation. We are more than halfway through the year and the plan around which the organisation must build this year has not yet been published and is not yet known. I cannot imagine any organisation not knowing, halfway through the year, what it will spend money on for the year.
It is reported that the plan is to published shortly after the Dáil breaks for the summer, which is convenient as there can then be no scrutiny of it.
Comment on this
It is plainly obvious that the overruns in the spend for the national children's hospital, which are still not nailed down and fully quantified, are having impacts on other announced and expected health projects. What is the reason for this extraordinary delay? When exactly will the plan be published? When published, will the plan tell us which projects have been euphemistically "re-profiled" and will be impacted by the overruns at the national children's hospital?
Comment on this
The straight answer to the Deputy's question is that the plan will be published when it is ready.
Comment on this
Might we see the plan before the end of the year?
Comment on this
Clarity on what will be spent next year must be factored into the capital plan for 2019.
The summer economic statement provided extra capital allocation for 2020. That is being factored in terms of how and where it will be spent in the context of accommodating the increased cost of the children's hospital. I understand the plan is close to conclusion. The 2019 spend has been concluded but they are finalising work in relation to the 2020 spend.