Vol. 474 No. 5
44 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the proposed relocation of the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1; the timescale and costs associated with the proposed relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3361/97]
Limerick East): It has been agreed in principle that the Children's Hospital, Temple Street will be relocated on the campus of the Mater Hospital. It has also been accepted that future developments at the Mater Hospital would take into account the relocation of the Children's Hospital.
It is too early to cost the relocation proposal other than to indicate that substantial capital funds would be required. Because of the planning and financial implications involved for the two hospitals, it is not possible to say, at this time when the move will take place.
Pending relocation to the Mater Hospital site, a programme of improvements is ongoing at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street. In the interim, it is intended that the hospital will be provided with adequate facilities to enable it to perform its important functions in the delivery of paediatric hospital care.
