Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he intends to expedite the completion and commissioning of the cystic fibrosis unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am wholly committed to the completion of this project, and together with St Vincent's University Hospital and the HSE, we are taking every possible step in order to ensure earliest possible delivery of the new ward block. The contract for the ward block, awarded 14th October 2010, requires 18 months for construction from that date and is proceeding on track and within budget. Completion for service delivery is expected in early 2012.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his plans regarding the proposed national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5575/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government has committed, under the Programme for Government, to the construction of the New Children's Hospital.

Since appointment as Minister, I have been engaged in discussions with my officials and with the National Paediatric Hospital Board in order to brief myself on the work done on this project to date. I want to be clear about how we can best provide the hospital in the most cost effective manner while ensuring a high quality service for our children and young people.

I am currently considering the evidence presented to me and will make a decision, based on that evidence, as to how to proceed. In particular I wish to be satisfied that the hospital will provide the best possible clinical outcomes for children and young people, that its location best meets their needs and that the cost of building the hospital is both realistic and affordable to the exchequer.

You may rest assured that I wish to avoid any unnecessary delay to the development of this very important project.