Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:518. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when legislation regarding the new National Children's Hospital at St James's Hospital, Dublin will be produced. [14782/13]
View answerTuesday, 26 March 2013
Questions (518, 519)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:519. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when he will announce a new board, including new chair, for the development of the National Children's Hospital at the St James's Hospital site in Dublin. [14783/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.
The decision to locate the new children's hospital on the campus of St James's Hospital was announced on 6 November 2012. Co-location, and ultimately tri-location with a maternity hospital, with St James's will support the provision of excellence in clinical care that our children deserve.
Following the announcement of the Government's decision, I gave detailed consideration 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 it is my intention to restructure the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board so that it focuses solely on the capital project. The membership of the restructured Board will align with this core function and hence include the necessary skills, experience and expertise in complex healthcare capital projects. The restructuring of the Board will require primary legislation and work is ongoing in relation to the preparation of heads of a Bill in this regard. In parallel, consideration is being given to the appointment of Board members with the required competencies.
Pending the necessary changes, it is crucial that the project continues without delay during this transitional phase. As the terms of office of the majority of Board members expired on 5 December, I have therefore appointed senior representatives from my Department and the HSE to the Board as an interim measure aimed at ensuring effective governance and decision-making for the project.
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.
Questions Nos. 520 and 521 answered with Question No. 517.