Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her concerns, which I will bring to the Department to try to make this decision as quickly as possible. I understand there continues to be ongoing and active engagement with the Rotunda Hospital refining key aspects of the project. As the Senator knows, again, all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages in line with the public spending code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.

Approvals must be received for each individual stage to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money, remains affordable and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning status. The development of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to a number of key considerations, including service prioritisation, clarification of scope, determination of affordability, as well as the successful completion of the various capital project approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.

I hear what the Senator said. I will bring it back to the Minister and the Department to try to get this progressed as quickly as possible.