Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to deal with this debate. She is one of the few Ministers who always attends the House for debates related to her Department and it is appreciated.

The development of the national paediatric hospital is a significant project for any country and it is a critical part of the infrastructure. Those of us familiar with the children's hospitals in Dublin know the appalling conditions and the very difficult circumstances with which they have struggled. It is clear there is a need for rationalisation. It is a shame that the development of this project has been so dogged by controversy and continues to be, even in recent weeks and despite the progress which the Minister outlined and the current state of the project.