Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. In the context of the transition from the three existing pediatric hospitals, what commitments can the Minister give to the effect that their facilities will not be downgraded? We are trying to ensure that strong pediatric specialties develop prior to the move to the national children's hospital. Will the Minister commit to providing sufficient financial support for the continued development of pediatric services in the three existing hospitals? They could be covered by a single governance and budgetary structure without any downgrading. This is the key issue.

What funding streams will be put in place for the new hospital? The sale of the national lottery will provide €200 million, but will the rest come from the capital programme, philanthropy or somewhere else?

I raised an issue in the Minister's absence. Will he speak with his colleague, the Minister for Finance, concerning the potential to encourage philanthropy by way of tax relief on donations to the development of the national children's hospital?

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