Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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533. To ask the Minister for Health the extent and nature of the use of the hospital inpatient inquiry in the work of the review group that reported to him in June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24710/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In 2012, following the refusal of planning permission for the new children’s hospital project at the Mater campus the Minister for Health established the Dolphin Review Group to advise on next steps.

The Dolphin Review Group, as part of its own research, reviewed the reports already prepared on the new children’s hospital including McKinsey 2006, Joint Task Group 2006, KPMG 2008, and the Independent Review 2011, and considered their analysis and opinions. A clinicians' sub-group of the Dolphin Group examined issues relating to clinical specialties and sub-specialties, transitional care for adolescents, and the integration of paediatric health research and education in the new children's hospital.

The Group received a number of proposals and submissions from hospitals, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and other interested parties. The Group also sought further detailed information from the various hospitals, representative groups and individual experts as the need arose. Material was provided for the Group from multiple sources including CSO data, HSE data, Hospital In-patient Enquiry data (HIPE) and data collected from individual services.

The Group’s consideration of the complex issues involved was greatly facilitated by meetings with a large number of groups and individuals with relevant expertise and/or involvement in paediatric healthcare and research.