Vol. 437 No. 4
54 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health when it was agreed in principle that the Childrens Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, should be rebuilt on the campus of the Mater Hospital; the drawings or costings that have been carried out; the details of the brief for the rebuilding project; the schedule of work and time schedule that has been proposed; when further progress is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It was agreed in principle in May 1989 that the Children's Hospital, Temple Street would be rebuilt on the campus of the Mater Hospital in Eccles Street, Dublin. However, before this can be undertaken, a considerable amount of detailed planning will be necessary. Progress on the project will require substantial capital funding. The allocation of such funding will be considered in the context of the overall level of capital funds available to me and the many competing demands for capital developments throughout the health services as a whole.
In the meantime, the Children's Hospital will continue to provide services on its present site and my Department is at present engaged in discussions with the hospital regarding urgent upgrading work which will be needed to ensure that the hospital can continue to carry out its functions as effectively as possible.
