Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The aforementioned Minister decided to go ahead with the Mater Hospital site. In July, Members were told this would be financed through the sale of the national lottery. Yesterday, one learned that not only was the Dolphin report extant but that apparently, there also was a Labour Party report. Subsequently, one learned that Mr. John Fitzgerald had been asked to review the sites in the findings of the Dolphin report. It is important that the Seanad and the Oireachtas finds out who commissioned Mr. Fitzgerald and for what purpose. Was it the Minister for Health or was it the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade? What are his assessment criteria?

He is a former county manager, but not a planning expert. Will his advice be in addition to the Dolphin report? Last night, a respected journalist stated on the news that the report could be reworded to fudge the issue and make it look as though whatever decision was made was independently recommended. Was Mr. Dolphin aware that his report might be subsumed by a further report by Mr. Fitzgerald?

What is the status of the national children's hospital, the position of the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, within the Government and the relationship between the Labour Party and Fine Gael on this important issue, the flagship project of the Government's capital programme? Given the number of questions still outstanding, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade attend the Seanad today to inform us of the hospital's status. There would be no point in asking the Minister for Health to attend. He seems to be out of the loop and the matter seems to be in the Tánaiste's hands. Is it constitutional or legal for the Tánaiste to take over the Minister for Health's functions and role? We should also consider that issue.

It is important that we get the information I am seeking. The children of Ireland deserve their hospital and the people deserve clarity concerning what is occurring.