James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am sorry, but that will not wash with me or the public.

We were advised by the expert group, the recommendation of which at the time was that it be located on the Mater Hospital site. The planners have decided otherwise. We have put together a group to report within 56 days of its first meeting on the best route forward. The main concern must be building a new facility for children in order that they can receive the best treatment in the best environment.

Deputy Mick Wallace mentioned several persons. I put it to him that even Professor Michael O'Keeffe has spoken about the fact that he gets more work done in one day in a private setting than he does in a week in the public sector. There are significant efficiencies capable of being achieved within the public sector in how we use theatres - the productive theatre initiative - and much progress has been made. I compliment Professor O'Keeffe on having one of the shortest waiting lists and doing Trojan work, but I cannot agree that children will go blind or die from brain tumours because operations will not be carried out in time. Urgent adult and children cancer cases are treated first as a matter of priority, which is the way it should be.

The Government is fully committed to developing a national paediatric hospital in order that children can receive the best care in the best environment. We will look at all the options put to us by the review group. I look forward to receiving its report within 56 days of its first meeting.

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