John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health if he will furnish an updated report on plans for a new children's hospital in Dublin; the status of the proposals; if the plan still provides for the location of the new facility to be sited at the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33743/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As 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.

I announced the outcome of the Review on 6 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 requested the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) to proceed with a planning application to an Bord Pleanála. Planning permission has just completed the oral hearing stage but is unlikely to be ruled on before 2012. Today, I am delighted to welcome the Government's decision to maintain the existing levels of health capital investment. This confirms the Government's commitment to delivering quality services in modern facilities for the children of Ireland through the provision of the necessary funding for the delivery of the National Children's Hospital, and the associated ambulatory and urgent care centre in Tallaght.