James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, there are reasons for that and we can deal with that issue also.

The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will discuss the issue of cochlear implants. I am grateful to her for meeting yesterday with concerned parents who have formed the Happy New Ear group.

On the national paediatric hospital, we have a project timeline to have a cleared, brownfield site ready for building to commence on 1 January 2015. We intend to have the hospital completed in 2018, rather than 2019. It is a massive project, the biggest undertaking in terms of capital outlay in the Government's term and probably the biggest building undertaken since the Ardnacrusha plant was built. Even in the face of a deep recession, the Government has given commitments to compete the national paediatric hospital and the Central Mental Hospital because it has prioritised the most vulnerable, namely, those with mental health issues and newborns and children.

The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, will address in detail the issue of medical cards. There is, however, no question that there are many more people than ever with medical cards.

I answered some of Deputy Catherine Byrne's questions about the national paediatric hospital. Lobbying is part of the process, but if she wishes, we can have a quiet chat about the specific issue she raised. I can also speak to various people about the matter she highlighted because it is not appropriate. Having said that, I assure members that an international, well run team decided, in conjunction with the Department, that St. James's Hospital was the best site for the new hospital. I have no hesitation in saying this.

On the nursing home in Hollybrook, I accept the Deputy's point. There has been a back and forth discussion on this matter for some time. Perhaps Ms Laverne McGuinness might address the issue before dealing with the Deputy's question on the number of intensive care beds and how it compares internationally.

Dr. Lynch will now discuss some of the points raised.