Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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539. To ask the Minister for Health if a new substantial completion date for the new National Children’s Hospital has been provided (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29407/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Opening the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI) is a Government priority. Everything possible is being done to ensure this world-class hospital will open as quickly as possible, on behalf of children, young people, and their families.

The Minister for Health has been clear that the responsibility for committing to, resourcing, and delivering this project sits squarely with BAM Ireland, and the State will not reduce the pressure or dilute that accountability. The State cannot accept a hospital that is not completed to the correct standards.

In February 2026, BAM submitted a programme of works, with a Substantial Completion date of 30 April 2026. While initially deemed compliant with the contract by the Employer’s Representative, the independent body responsible for administering the contract, it was ultimately found to be non-compliant, as BAM Ireland failed to deliver works as committed.

On 24 March, BAM informally advised the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) that it expects to meet the substantial completion “standard” by 30 April but with some exceptions to areas and operational systems. Crucially this does not represent substantial completion as BAM had previously committed to achieve by that date. This will be the 19th time BAM has shifted its Substantial Completion date over the last 6 years.

On 27 March, the Employer’s Representative (the independent third party responsible for administering the contract), requested BAM to submit a new programme. The NPHDB has advised that this has yet to be provided by the contractor.