Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Mater and Children's Hospital development plan proceeded to the point of tendering for the development when a major flaw regarding the development of tertiary children's facilities stopped the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8356/06]

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Mater and Children's Hospital development plan was put on hold so late into the development when it was clear that the transfer of Temple Street Hospital onto the Mater Hospital site was in the plans from the beginning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8357/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 17 together.

On 3 February last, the Health Service Executive published a report, prepared by McKinsey & Co., on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services in this country. This report was commissioned by the HSE at my request in the context of decisions to be taken on the possible relocation of the facilities at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and of ensuring that paediatric services are provided in the most efficient and effective manner.

The Mater-Children's University Hospital project was planned a number of years ago with a view to significantly improving the facilities for patients and staff at both hospitals. It was envisaged at that time that paediatric secondary and tertiary services could appropriately be provided at more than one location. However, it is clear from the recent McKinsey report that current best practice suggests that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area.

Arising from the recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group has been established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility.

The conclusions of the task group will clearly have implications for the scope of the Mater-Children's University hospital project and will inform decisions in relation to how that project is to be advanced. My primary concern is to ensure that we arrive at a solution which is in the best interests of the children of this country.