Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I detect the negative tone of the Deputy in the questions. The philanthropic contribution is highly achievable. The new person has a terrific track record in philanthropy. A foundation has been established and has received charitable status from the Revenue Commissioners. The year before last Toronto hospital raised $78 million. I visited the Starship Children's Hospital in New Zealand which receives huge philanthropic contributions. It is not unusual and I and many others believe the contribution expected to be raised over a four-year period, that is, €110 million, is highly achievable. There have already been indications from individuals of their interest in this area.

Technology it is part of the HSE's wider technology system. Routers, switches and so on will go in as part of the capital construction but technology will be part of the HSE's ICT spend over the next three years and will be a large part of the capital plan next year and in future. What the Deputy suggested is not true. A number of people try to find every single negative that they possibly can about the hospital.

Mr. Brian Fitzgerald, the financial controller of St. James's Hospital, is currently working with the two of the three children's hospitals which will be coming together, Temple Street and Crumlin, on their enterprise and resource planning. As part of that they will be examining the SAP or Oracle systems and that will then transfer over to the new children's hospital. It is estimated the ICT spend at the hospital will be in the region of €60 million.

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