Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 852: To ask the Minister for Health if he will reply to a matter (details supplied) regarding the location of the new children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22888/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware I commissioned an independent Review around a number of issues relating to the location of the new hospital on the Mater Campus. The Review was carried out under the joint auspices of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the European Health Property Network (EUPHN). NACHRI is a not-for-profit organisation of children's hospitals with over 200 members worldwide, which promotes the health and well-being of children and their families through support of children's hospitals and health systems. EUPHN is an independent organisation with international expertise in the area of capital planning of health facilities, including major hospitals. I announced the outcome of the Review on the 6th of July 2011. The independent experts who formed the Review Team, having examined all the issues in accordance with the Terms of Reference set by myself, came to the unanimous and unequivocal recommendation that the development of the new hospital should proceed on the Mater Campus.

I confirmed the Government's acceptance of the recommendation of the Review Team and has now requested the National Paediatric Development Board to proceed with a planning application to an Bord Pleanála.