National Children's Hospital Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (1130)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1130. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his response to reports (details supplied) that a four member group has been conducting a further evaluation of possible locations for the new national children's hospital; if such a group has been established; the basis on which the group was established; the functions of the group; the terms of reference under which it operates; the person who appointed the members of the group; the names of the members of this group; the connection it has with the Dolphin Review; the recommendations the group has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48293/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As you will be aware, I established an independent Review Group, chaired by Dr Frank Dolphin, to consider the implications of the decision of An Bord Pleanála to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of the new children's hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The report of that Group, chaired by Dr Frank Dolphin, was presented to me in June. My Department sought further detailed analysis on technical issues from those members of the Dolphin Group with the relevant technical expertise.

There is no "four-man group" as described in the details provided by the Deputy. Two of the individuals named are members of the Dolphin Group. Informal contact has been made with the other two individuals named in regard to the new children's hospital. No formal advice or report has been sought from them and no "four-man group" has been established. My recommendation to Government in regard to the location of the hospital will be based on the Dolphin report together with the supplementary analysis provided by a number of its members.