Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health following the rejection of planning permission for the Children's Hospital on the Mater Site, Dublin, and the setting up of a review group to examine all options and to produce recommendations, if he will clarify that the issues of accessibility will be given due weight in the considerations of the review group; if any member of the review group have expertise in the area of spatial planning, and geographic and logistical matters; if due regard be given to the accommodation needs of parents staying with their child and of the challenges facing the second parent who may have to travel frequently to the site, in view of the fact that the presence of parents can be critical to the quality of care of the child. [17493/12]

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. This project is one of the main priorities for the Government and is a commitment under the Programme for Government.

I recently announced the establishment of 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 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."

I can confirm that the plans for the hospital at the Mater site provided for parental accommodation to be available within the hospital for parents of children in the neonatal intensive care unit and children admitted to the other critical care units. This accommodation was to be provided within a family overnight unit which would provide en-suite bedrooms with suitable support accommodation. This feature will no doubt be an important part of any children's hospital, wherever sited.

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.