Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have some questions of my own before we go to the answers. According to Ms Duffy's opening statement, the hospital board should be appointed from among persons who have experience and expertise in relation to matters connected with the functions of the board rather than on the nomination of bodies. Perhaps Ms Duffy could explore for us how that will work.

On the issue of cost, are the witnesses happy that the funds will be available to complete the project? There is much controversy over the eventual cost of this project, so perhaps the witnesses might address how the cost projections are going and what the eventual cost may be. Will fundraising and philanthropy moneys be going towards capital or current costs or are they designated for education and research? The Phoenix Children's Health certainly has the potential to become an iconic magnet hospital, not only in the Irish context but in the context of world paediatrics. I hope that comes to pass and education and research will be very important parts of that.

Car parking is a very contentious issue for hospitals around the country. Will the hospital own the car park or benefit from its profits? Could there be a maximum daily or, indeed, monthly rate for the families of children spending prolonged periods of time in the hospital? Car parking costs can be a huge issue for families, so could this be addressed by minimising that cost?