The report referred to by the Deputy has already been the subject of detailed discussions between representatives of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, and the joint HSE/ Department of Health and Children Transition Group which is advancing the development of the new National Paediatric Hospital. The Group is in the process of engaging consultants to prepare a high level framework brief which will help to inform decisions in relation to the full range of services to be provided at the new hospital. The Transition Group has agreed that the Crumlin report will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the framework brief.
I have also met with representatives from the hospital, and have assured them that I am committed to ensuring that the new National Paediatric Hospital will deliver a world-class service for the children of this country.
Based on its work to date, the Transition Group is satisfied that the Mater site has the space necessary to fully accommodate a world-class National Paediatric Hospital.