Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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140. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of the national children's hospital process; if the option of investigating alternatives to the continuation of the project at St. James's will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7412/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The independent review commissioned to understand the reasons for the cost escalation associated with the new children's hospital construction project is underway. As per its terms of reference, the primary focus of the review is on the governance and management arrangements in place within and between the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) and Executive, Design Team, relevant consultants, user groups and contractors. The review will deal with the accountability of the relevant key parties, functions and roles.

The terms of reference of the review also require it to develop any further recommendations, if possible, which may identify any areas of potential costs savings or reductions, which are consistent with the applicable contractual undertakings and the delivery of the project, in light of its current status. The review will be completed by the end of March subject to availability of relevant documentation and personnel, and will inform appropriate next steps by decision makers, including Government.

In December 2018, Government approved the construction investment to allow Phase B of the hospital to be instructed. The building of the new children’s hospital on the St James’s campus is underway, Phase B works commenced on site at the end of last month. The review does not include the option of investigating alternatives to constructing the hospital on the St James's Hospital campus.