Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the proposed site for the national paediatric children's hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34736/10]

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 Task Group's recommendation, when selecting from the 6 adult hospital sites, was based on several factors laid out in their report relating to the current location of clinical services around the city. They also took into account potential planning difficulties with the sites and the readiness of the sites for new development. Through the establishment of a clinical network, with the Mater as its centre, this site was considered to be in a good geographical position to facilitate access to the key specialties, shared between adults and children. I am committed to proceeding with this important project and am not persuaded that a different location is warranted.