asked the Minister for Health the expense involved to date in regard to the proposed international competition for the appointment of an architect in respect of design for Cork Regional Hospital, which competition has now been abandoned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Regional Hospital.
23.
Mr. Barrett
The Cork Hospitals Board was established by order made on 15th June, 1966. The total expenditure incurred by the Board up to 25th May, 1967, is £1,912 9s. The functions of the Board include the making of arrangements for the planning and erection of a dental hospital and school as well as a general hospital.
The great bulk of the work of the Board to date has been such as would have been necessary whether or not an architectural competition would be held. It is not possible to say precisely what amount of the sum so far expended could be regarded as directly attributable to the holding of an architectural competition but it is estimated to be not more than £100.
Mr. Barrett
Could the Minister tell the House what steps were actually taken in respect of the architectural competition, if any steps were taken, or if it was not a bluff from the beginning?
No, I do not think that is right. The Deputy is perfectly aware of the terms of the order directed to the Board. The Board has now made the recommendation in favour of abandoning the idea of an international competition. It is implied in the Deputy's question—"which competition has now been abandoned"—but it has not been formally abandoned. The order would have to be first amended and this has not yet been done. However, the recommendation has come from the Board. Therefore, it is quite unfair of the Deputy to allege that this was to any extent a game of bluff.
24.
Mr. Barrett
asked the Minister for Health the names of the firms employed at present as consultants in respect of the Cork Regional Hospital project.
The project for the planning and erection of a general hospital and a dental hospital and school at Wilton, Cork, is being dealt with by the Cork Hospitals Board. No consultants have so far been engaged for this scheme.
Mr. Barrett
Is it not a fact that consultants were appointed in respect of the original scheme for the building of Cork Regional Hospital?
This is so.
Mr. Barrett
And they have now been dropped for some people who are more equal than they are?
No, I do not think so. The implication there is not in any way fair. First, we will have to decide whether or not the recommendation of the Board should be acted on. A new situation will arise if the competition is not to be abandoned, and another situation, if it is abandoned. Assuming it will be abandoned, the question of the position of the architects, the consulting engineers, the quantity surveyors and so on would obviously arise. But their situation is not the same. I would not like to commit myself one way or another on what their position would be, although representations have been received.
Mr. Barrett
Could the Minister tell the House when the appointment of the original appointees concluded? In other words, when were they sacked, by whom and for what reason?
Mr. O'Malley
I sacked them.
Shortly before the order was made.
Mr. Barrett
Were they ever informed that their appointments had been terminated?
No.
Mr. O'Malley
They were paid.
Mr. Barrett
They were not paid half as much as others will be paid.
They were paid for the work they did.