David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is quite incredible that we still do not know what the handover or completion date will be and, even though an updated programme of works has been submitted to the board, that date has not been made public. It is in the public interest to do so, given all the controversies relating to this issue. We know that one of the big advantages of the new national children's hospital will be protected surgeries, especially for children with scoliosis and spina bifida. The Minister of State will know that there is now a major controversy at Temple Street hospital where services have been suspended. That has taken place not only at Temple Street but at Cappagh hospital. I also find it incredible that the Minister for Health left the country knowing this scandal was going to break and, it seems, did not inform either the Taoiseach or Tánaiste about the seriousness of these issues.

We have demanded statements in the House on that very important issue, which we need to have as quickly as possible. We should have had them today but now more than ever, given what has happened at Temple Street, we need this hospital built as quickly as possible. It is in the public interest for the Minister of State and the Minister to tell us what the new completion date is and when this hospital will be open.

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