The Taoiseach has accused opposition parties of "scare tactics" and "fake" claims over the rising cost of the National Children's Hospital.

The project is among 250 that will receive 2.1 billion euro in health service funding over the next three years.

The HSE's spending plan will also cover 480 hospital beds, 30 primary care centres and 2 emergency departments.

The government insists no projects have had to be cancelled because of the over-budget Children's Hospital.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says any claims to the contrary aren't true.

This #CapitalPlan provides for over €1bn on Government priorities; new Children’s Hospital, National Forensic Mental Health facility in Portrane, Radiation Oncology facilities in Cork, Galway & Dublin...

and the National Rehabilitation Hospital where today's launch took place. pic.twitter.com/mY89AL43zD

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) September 2, 2019

Under the plan, all projects that have already been approved will go ahead as planned, despite the massive overspend on the National Children’s Hospital.

Announcing the plan this morning, the Taoiseach said it involves a doubling of investment in the health services infrastructure and equipment from €5bn in the last ten year period to €10bn in the next.

It includes investment in 480 new hospital beds, 30 primary care centres and two emergency departments.

Leo Varadkar said that, by the end of this year, the number of hospital beds will be back over 11,000 for the first time since 2009.

“By investing in better facilities, newer equipment and more bricks and mortar, we are building a health service to provide you with the care you need, when you need it,” he said.

The plan includes:

• Over €1bn for the NCH, the National Rehabilitation Hospital, the National Forensic Mental Health facility in Portrane and Radiation Oncology facilities in Cork, Galway and Dublin.
• €265m for refurbishments to residences for older people and people with disabilities.
• €300m for upgrades to ambulance facilities and equipment.
• Over €335m for capital projects at hospitals and primary care facilities.

The Health Minister Simon Harris said it marks, “phase one of our ten year capital investment programme.”

“Over the next three years, we are committing to 250 projects across the country,” he said. “480 new beds, 30 new primary care centres, 58 community nursing units, and significant investment in mental health and disability projects in the community.

“As we reform the health service in line with Sláintecare, it is vital we continue to invest in capital infrastructure and crucially, invest in the community and social care settings.”

The HSE capital plan is normally published at the start of the year; however, it was only agreed last month amid concerns over spending on the NCH.

The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the plan will allow the Government to meet the current infrastructural needs of the health service and respond to Ireland’s changing demographic profile.

He said the Government will invest €10.9 in capital health spending over the next decade.