Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will get a specific answer. That specific query was not included in the question the Deputy submitted, which seeks an update on the totality of the works. The latter is what I endeavoured to provide. I will revert to the Deputy very quickly with the timeline relating to her additional specific question on planning permission.

On the new hospital, I had a very constructive meeting with the Saolta group this week. It has a plan that would incorporate a more ambitious project than simply the elective day case hospital which is under consideration. It includes inpatient beds, additional operating theatres and so on. It would be very favourably disposed to that being on the Merlin Park site. We are progressing that. This week, the Department has received a report on all the potential sites for this really important development.

The most important information regarding when construction on the emergency department will start is that it is being included in the capital plan for next year. That has not happened before. It is very important work.

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