National Children's Hospital Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Questions (62, 68, 71)

Robert Troy

Question:

62. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the situation with regard to the new children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7511/13]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

68. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in the construction of the new children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7513/13]

Micheál Martin

Question:

71. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health who will take the lead responsibility for the building of the new children's hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7506/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 68 and 71 together.

The decision to locate the new children's hospital on the St James's campus was announced on 6 November 2012. 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.

The new children’s hospital is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and the largest project within the current Capital Plan. This Government regards the building of the hospital as a priority and no effort will be spared in expediting its completion.

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. In this regard I intend to restructure the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and to establish a Children's Hospital Group which will include the three existing paediatric hospitals. The restructured National Paediatric Hospital Development Board will focus on the capital project only. The membership of the restructured Board will align with this core function and include the necessary capital development expertise.

The required legislation will, inevitably, take some time and as the terms of office of the majority of Board members 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 during this transitional phase.

At this important initial stage it is crucial that the project continues without delay and, in parallel with consideration of governance arrangements, work has also been progressing in relation to the site and site preparation, while a review of urgent care centre(s) configuration is underway and a time-limited review of Dublin maternity services configuration is due to commence shortly.

This Government’s priority is to ensure that the project proceeds securely to completion as quickly as possible and with optimal results. I am confident that the project management and governance structures now being put in place will enable the fastest possible delivery of this key infrastructure for children’s hospital services.