Shane Ross (Independent)

I thank Senator Brian Hayes for raising the issue of Tallaght Hospital and I add my voice to those who believe there should be a full debate on the matter in this House. I am astonished that the matter has not been fully debated. The issue at stake is not so much denominational as it is political, with the location of the hospital ending up in the Taoiseach's constituency. That does not seem to be a complete coincidence.

As Senator Norris stated, we should listen to the fears expressed yesterday by Archbishop Neill. We should also consider the fact that at least one consortium of businessmen, led by Noel Smyth, offered a free site for a national children's hospital which was turned down for inexplicable reasons without even a hearing by the committee examining the situation. It was decided to examine it after public outcry. It was given a cursory examination and turned down. The decision is fraught with flaws and must be investigated thoroughly.

I cannot understand why it is necessary to put all our eggs in one basket. I have sympathy with Members on the other side who state it is not only a Dublin issue.