James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Deputy's assertion that we are all on the one side, as we all want to see the hospital progress as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, the refusal on the Mater site requires time for reflection. The two months to be taken to report, including the month that has passed, will stand to serve the children of the State for 100 to 200 years and must be viewed in this timescale. I doubt there is any one more in a hurry than me to have the hospital built.

The last thing I want to see is scarce capital reserves and resources ploughed into temporary accommodation that will prove to be no longer necessary in a few years. I want this expedited. I have made it very clear that all options are on the table and that the advice the Government and I want is on the pros and cons of each option and for us to make a decision quickly to get on with this and provide what is a right for our children. We have some of the best nursing, medical and paramedical practitioners and we need to provide them with the best setting to provide treatment.

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