Mary Harney
Question:22 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the changes, if any, in the design and layout of the Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; the cost of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2740/96]
Written Answers. - Tallaght (Dublin) Hospital.
Limerick East): The brief for the Tallaght Hospital was completed in March 1984 and the design stage for the project was completed in 1987.
Because of the time that will have elapsed between the completion of the brief in 1984 and the opening of the hospital in late 1997 it has to date been necessary to carry out changes to the following departments: pharmacy, day care unit, catering and ward pantries, dialysis unit, intensive care unit, coronary care unit, operating department, autopsy/mortuary and hospital sterile supply department.
The cost of changes to the listed individual Departments varies according to the extent of the change and every effort has been made to ensure that these costs are met from corresponding savings on elements of the project which do not materially affect the functional content of the hospital. This approach is in line with normal practice and is a well-established policy of my Department and of the Tallaght Hospital Board. The greater portion of additional costs of changes has been met from savings on the contract and the design team is critically re-examining the project with a view to eliminating the outstanding amount.