John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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221. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has submitted a report to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the most recent cost estimate and timescale for the completion of the new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45657/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital (NCH). The NPHDB has, at my request, undertaken a detailed analysis of the project to determine the implications of any delay(s), and to determine the most effective pathway to ensure the timely completion of this critical project.

Given the commercially sensitive nature of this work, updates on the current position have been shared with key relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The NPHDB and the contractor are working to do everything they can to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of the project. However, Brexit and the global pandemic have severely impacted supply chains, including those for the construction sector, and the NCH project cannot be immune to these external risks. However, every effort is being taken to mitigate risks, wherever possible.