Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome warmly the decision of the Government on the location of a new national children's hospital. Notwithstanding our critical economic and financial circumstances, the challenges associated with which we are still addressing, the Government has remained faithful to a commitment in the programme for Government to construct a new national children's hospital. This is an important landmark in our building of an excellent health service for the people, particularly children, and it is a vital element of the Government's health strategy. The decision is one in respect of which there was considerable deliberation, weighing of the options and analysis.

I join the Minister in congratulating and complimenting all the professionals involved in this important work, including those who might have preferred a different decision on the location. The work, while technical and very professional, was public spirited. All those concerned were dedicated to the same objective, namely, to reach a quick decision allowing us to build a hospital after the disappointing Mater developments.

As the Minister stated, there is no perfect site and no perfect solution to the question asked. However, this House and the people can be satisfied. In the Dolphin report, the merits, demerits and risks associated with the various proposals were all carefully considered. Subsequent to its publication, the Department of Health and the Minister examined this very clear and helpful report and carried out a further planning assessment. As the Minister rightly stated, while clinical considerations are paramount, we must have regard to the planning issues and site issues. The Minister arranged for Mr. John Martin and Mr. Simon Clear to re-examine the planning context of the proposals, and they came down very persuasively in favour of the site on the grounds of St. James's Hospital, notwithstanding that it presents some risk. The risk is referred to as "moderate" but, when one weighs it against the planning risks associated with the Mater site, which are significant, one realises the correct decision has been made.

Nobody can say there is a perfect site but it is ultimately up to the Government to make a decision on the basis of the best evidence and analysis available to it. That is what has occurred. I congratulate all concerned and look forward to the building of the new hospital, which will be carried out as quickly as is humanly and financially possible, as the Minister indicated.

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