James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the national paediatric hospital and in particular the national paediatric hospital development board; the moneys expended on the project to date; the address of the national paediatric hospital development board; the persons who are the members; the number of support staff they have; if capital funds have been allocated and ring-fenced for the national paediatric hospital; if taking into account the new financial climate here her plans to review this decision to examine if the same project and its objectives could be achieved in alternative locations at reduced cost; if there are no plans to review the project, the completion date for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43762/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The development of the National Paediatric Hospital continues to be a priority project for the Government. The Health Service Executive Capital Plan 2008 — 2013 includes provision for the development of the new hospital and the associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board was established in May, 2007. Its primary function is to plan, design, furnish and equip the hospital. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project. The Board operates from 2/3 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1. The appointed members of the Board are as follows:

Mr. Philip Lynch (Chairman)

Mr. John O'Brien

Mr. Brian Gilroy

Ms. Kathryn Raleigh

Ms. Vera Wegner

Mr. Harry Crosbie

Dr. Alan Finan

Dr. Owen Hensey

Ms. Linda Dillon

Mr. Michael Flaherty

Ms. Norah Casey

Dr. Emma Curtis

The project is currently at initiation stage. A contract has been awarded for business advisory services. A detailed Development Brief for the new hospital is being prepared and is due for completion by the end of the 1st Quarter 2009. The Development Brief will be converted into a detailed design, outlining the exact dimensions and specifications for the new hospital, to allow the project proceed to tender for construction. A more accurate estimate of costs will be available at that point.

The legal requirements to enable the transfer of the designated site for the hospital to the HSE have been agreed and the transfer has been finalised. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued to the Deputy on the operational issues raised.