Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 586: To ask the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the need for a National Paediatric Hospital. [12273/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to ensuring the delivery of a world class hospital for the children of Ireland providing the highest quality treatment they deserve. The challenges presented by the current infrastructure in Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals can only be fully addressed through the construction of the new National Children's Hospital. This project is one of the main priorities for the Government and is a commitment under the Programme for Government.

The decision to refuse planning for the new children's hospital was disappointing. Immediately following the decision I announced my intention to establish a Review Group to consider the decision of An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the National Paediatric Hospital. The Government has agreed the Terms of Reference for the Review Group. The Terms of Reference are as follows:-

"To inform itself about the planning considerations and processes affecting this project.

To consider the different options which now exist for progressing the construction of a national children's hospital having regard to –

· Government policy on the delivery of health services, including accessibility and paediatric services in particular and best clinical practice considerations,

· the cost and value for money considerations of the different options,

· the likely timelines associated with the different options,

· the implementation risks associated with the different options.

To advise the him, in the light of these considerations, on the appropriate next steps to take with a view to ensuring that a national paediatric hospital can be constructed with minimal delay.

To report to the Minister within 56 days of the first meeting of the group."

The aim of this Review is to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. The Review Group will present their findings on each of the possible options for my consideration. The Group will not be undertaking a site selection process.

I have appointed Dr Frank Dolphin to Chair the Review Group. There is a wealth of expertise on the group. The membership is composed of senior planners, an architect, the CEO of a major UK Paediatric hospital and senior clinicians in the field of paediatrics. Dr Dolphin is currently in contact with the other Group members and expects to hold the first meeting of the Group within days. I will await the completion of the work of the Review Group and do not wish to make any further comment on the matter at this time.