Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed new children's hospital at the Mater site, Dublin; if she is satisfied that this is the most appropriate location for this hospital in view of the fact that the Metro North project is unlikely to go ahead for a number of years; her views on access to this facility in the future in view of the traffic situation in Dublin City; her further views on parking facilities for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14641/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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A joint HSE/Department of Health and Children Task Force was established in February 2006 following the presentation of the report Children's Health First-International best practice in tertiary paediatric services: implications for the strategic organisation of tertiary paediatric services in Ireland to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new paediatric hospital. The Task Group also included representation from the Office of Public Works.

This Task Group considered submissions from a number of hospitals in the greater Dublin area, from private hospitals, property developers and site owners and engaged in extensive consultations with the three existing paediatric hospitals, the maternity hospitals and external experts. The location of the new children's hospital was selected prior to the decision on the precise route of the Metro North line. However, the subsequent decision to proceed with the Metro North project and to locate a Metro stop at the Mater campus with an entrance / exit to Eccles Street will assist with access to the new children's hospital.

I am pleased to note that planning of the new hospital is proceeding on schedule, and that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and the HSE are making very good progress in their work to bring this important project to fruition. Construction work is due to commence later this year, and the Hospital is on target to open at the end of 2014.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to make available to the public the draft plans for the proposed children's hospital at the Mater site, Dublin; if so, when these plans will be available; the locations at which they may be viewed; if she will be providing a consultative process for the public on these draft plans; if so, the dates and locations of such a consultative process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14642/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) will submit a planning application for the new children's hospital to Dublin City Council in June 2010. This application will be processed in accordance with Dublin City Council's planning application process, including public access to submitted information and design plans.

In relation to the public consultation, the NPHDB has commenced a consultation process with children and young people. They held two consultation days in December 2009 on the hospital plans and designs. They have established a Youth Advisory Panel, consisting of young people from 13 - 16 years old who have experience of hospitalisations. The Panel has had a meeting with the designers on the hospital plans. The NPHDB is planning a Family Forum, made up of parents / guardians of children in hospital, to involve them in the hospital design. The NPHDB also has regular meetings with the residents around the hospital site.