James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

In the current economic climate to think that we will raise €110 million through philanthropy borders on the unbelievable. I need not remind the House of what is happening on the bond markets and the difficulty the country would have had to raise funds which, thankfully, it does not have to do at the moment. There is great concern on this side of the House about the resignation of the chairman, Mr. Philip Lynch. Is it correct to say that the cost of digitalising record-keeping in the hospital has been underestimated and may not be sanctioned by the Department of Finance? A figure of €150 million has been mentioned. The Minister said she has had a meeting with An Bord Pleanála but when can we realistically expect to get a decision on whether planning has been granted on the site? They are the key questions.

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