Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill, which is complex. It deals with the amalgamation of three different organisations, which is always a complex process. I recall long ago when the maternity services in Cork amalgamated, which did not require the setting up of a board, the process was complex. It involved staff who had worked separately and independently in different organisations coming together. In this instance, there is an added problem in that it involves three separate organisations coming together. There is also an issue with regard to properties attached to the organisations coming under the control of the board, which I welcome.

This development is long overdue. It has been discussed for approximately 25 years. I am delighted with Senator Devine;'s comments regarding the progress of the project. It is important that it be built in a timely manner and delivered by the date set out. In the context of the health services overall, we must make sure that we learn from this and do not make the same mistakes. We must avoid delaying future projects in the way this project was delayed. It went through the planning process numerous times and now, at last, we are going to have an end product which will benefit the entire population, in that it will provide services for children and their parents. We must have a proper structure in place. The various stakeholders, including those in the three different organisations who are handing control over to a new body, have been co-operative. There has been a lot of give by people and we must appreciate the work they have done over the years in developing the services. All of that must be taken into account. I thank the Minister of State, the departmental officials and all of those affected, particularly the staff and management in the three organisations, for their work and commitment in delivering this project for the country.