Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:663. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when the new members for the National Children's Hospital Development Board will be appointed. [3841/13]
View answerTuesday, 29 January 2013
Questions (663)
Written answers
The decision to locate the new children's hospital on the St James's campus was announced on 6 November last. In identifying the new site, the Government carefully considered the report of the Dolphin Group along with detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from those members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise. The decision on location was made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations being of paramount importance. Co-location, and ultimately tri-location with a maternity hospital, on the St James's campus will support the provision of excellence in clinical care that our children deserve.
Following the announcement of the Government's decision, detailed consideration has been given to the project management structures and governance arrangements required to enable delivery of the project as quickly as possible and to the highest quality and I intend to bring proposals to Government very shortly on this issue. The terms of office of the majority of Board members having expired on 5 December, I have appointed senior representatives from my Department and the HSE as an interim measure aimed at ensuring effective governance and decision-making for the project at this important initial stage to ensure the project continues without delay during this transitional phase.