Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator O'Donnell and her colleagues on tabling this motion, which is well-intentioned. I did, however, have a sense of déjá vu when I saw it in terms of us having had a similar debate on a similar motion in this House.

The principal difference as I see it is that we would have a dedicated draw, the funding from which would be used on a drip, drip basis to fund the children's hospital. I propose to make the same points which I made in that previous debate to which I referred earlier. I believe that the Minister has addressed the concerns raised. From a personal perspective, I believe the Minister's response has been robust in terms of his defence of what is proposed. It is somewhat ironic to hear Senator Mooney talking about the intentions of this Government and the ways in which construction of the children's hospital could be funded given Fianna Fáil when in Government had 14 years to do so to no avail. There were no special stamps for sale during Fianna Fáil's reign.