James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for that response, which is clearly straight out of God knows what. The reality is that Beaumont Hospital was built 24 years ago and a psychiatric outpatient and inpatient unit was to be located therein. The proposed unit was taken over to contain the overflow of patients from medical and surgical beds and, subsequently, when that problem was resolved, it was used to store equipment. In 2004, planning permission was sought and obtained for the psychiatric outpatient and inpatient unit. The project went to tender in 2005.

I remind the Minister of State that there are 23 women in an open ward in St. Ita's Hospital with one shower, one bathroom and one toilet, bearing in mind that it is 2008.

How much was spent on the original planning application and tendering process for the psychiatric unit? How much was spent on architects' fees and legal fees? Can the Minister confirm that the unit is now being moved to accommodate the co-located private hospital in Beaumont? It is impinging on the site.

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