Time is up for meaningful debate on HSE Capital Plan
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Dáil to make time next week to debate the health capital plan.
This follows a promise made to Deputy Kelly at last week’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee that the health capital plan would be published and debated in the Dáil before the end of term.
Deputy Kelly said:
“Last week I was assured at the PAC that there would be ample opportunity for the Dáil to debate the health capital plan before the parliament breaks up before the summer. Yet here we are a week out from the recess and there is no sign of the health capital plan or is it listed on the Dáil schedule for next week.
“With half the year over the HSE capital plan for 2019 is already out of date but we need to know what projects are being delayed or stopped to address cost overruns. How are hospitals meant to manage growing waiting lists and bed shortages if they don’t even know if they will get the investment they need?
“The lack of information from Fine Gael and the government agencies they manage is shambolic.
“Ultimately, the Minister for Health is responsible for his agency not providing the Dáil with the HSE capital plan. Time is up and Fine Gael are running out of road when it comes to public trust in their ability to manage the health service.”