Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1295. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to respond to a media report (details supplied); the steps he is taking to resolve this dispute and ensure that there are no further delays to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36483/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent media reports discuss challenges in the relationship between the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), who have statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building, and equipping the new children's hospital and the project’s main contractor, BAM. The matter highlighted in media reports has been resolved.
I recently met with the Chairpersons of the NPHDB and Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to discuss recent matters relating to the project. During the meeting I emphasised the importance of the hospital and the need to complete it. I urged open cooperation and communication between all key stakeholders to achieve substantial completion and ensure the hospital is opened as soon as possible for the benefit of children and their families. I have been very clear that I expect the contractor to meet its contractual commitments, produce a compliant programme of works, resource the project appropriately, and meet its own milestones under the programme.
I am fully committed to ensuring the New Children’s Hospital at St. James’s is completed as quickly as possible on behalf of children and their families. This is a shared ambition among all parties.
The New Children’s Hospital project will deliver world class facilities that will improve and prioritise medical outcomes for the nation’s sickest children. It is bringing about transformational change to the delivery of healthcare for the children of Ireland.
