Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The fact is that Fianna Fáil mishandled the issue for five years. The Labour Party's need to brief the media about the Tánaiste's alternative report is clearly intended to appease those who expressed disquiet about the competence of the Minister for Health following the resignation of the former Minister of State, Deputy Róisín Shortall. This is no way to govern, especially on an issue as important as the health of children. The fact is that the Government has been in office for 18 months. Perhaps this is more important than the issue raised by the leader of Fianna Fáil. We have had two reports and a failed planning application, but no decision has yet been taken. Seven years have passed since the McKinsey report recommended the construction of a world-class children's hospital, with full specialist services, on one site. The existing children's hospitals have since been starved of funds and waiting lists are increasing. Parents and staff are to be commended for their fund-raising efforts. It is clear that the hospital has to be built on the best site possible. The Taoiseach told me yesterday that the decision would be taken in two weeks. Can he guarantee to families watching this debate that the decision will be taken within two weeks, that there will be no more delays and no more party politics, and that this project which is vital for the future well-being of children will go ahead?

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