Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
1290 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to the possibility of locating the new National Children’s Hospital in Drogheda County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18472/12]
View answerI am committed to ensuring the delivery of a world class hospital for the children of Ireland providing the highest quality treatment they deserve. This project is one of the main priorities for the Government and is a commitment under the Programme for Government.
I recently announced the establishment of a Review Group to consider the decision of An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the National Paediatric Hospital. The Government agreed the Terms of Reference for the Review Group are as follows:—
"To inform itself about the planning considerations and processes affecting this project.
To consider the different options which now exist for progressing the construction of a national children's hospital having regard to—
Government policy on the delivery of health services, including accessibility and paediatric services in particular and best clinical practice considerations,
the cost and value for money considerations of the different options,
the likely timelines associated with the different options,
the implementation risks associated with the different options.
To advise him, in the light of these considerations, on the appropriate next steps to take with a view to ensuring that a national paediatric hospital can be constructed with minimal delay.
To report to the Minister within 56 days of the first meeting of the group."
The aim of this Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. The Review Group will present their findings on each of the possible options for my consideration. The Group will not be undertaking a site selection process. I have appointed Dr Frank Dolphin to Chair the Review Group. There is a wealth of expertise on the group. The membership is composed of senior planners, an architect, the CEO of a major UK Paediatric hospital and senior clinicians in the field of paediatrics. I will await the completion of the work of the Review Group and do not wish to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
