Ms Eilísh Hardiman:

To be clear, the Deputy is completely correct in that for paediatrics to be delivered to the standards that we all want and expect, it has we done as part of an integrated network across the healthcare system. It is a little bit like the cancer system as it cannot be done just in Dublin but has to be developed in the regions. We are really strong in Children’s Health Ireland, CHI, on the need to support and work with the regions to ensure that in the model of care, while we are consolidating what needs to be consolidated in the new children’s hospital, as much as needs to be kept local and convenient is. I would like Ms Kelly to come in and talk about those regional elements and discussions with our colleagues. We have a paediatric network lead who is discussing with the regions how we should develop that in an integrated, networked way, with CHI clinicians working and supporting that as much as possible.