Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2006
63 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she proposes to take on the configuration of children’s hospital services in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8466/06]
View answer88 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the location of the proposed single specialised children’s hospital and paediatric accident and emergency unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8541/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 88 together.
On 3 February last, the Health Service Executive published a report on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services. Commissioned by the HSE at my request and prepared by McKinsey & Company, the report recommends that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre, which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area. Arising from the report's recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group was established to progress matters and advise on the optimal location for the new facility. The group was asked to report within two months. My primary concern is to ensure we arrive at a solution which is in the best interests of the children of this country.
