National Children’s Hospital legislation
Aengus Ó Snodaigh asks when legislation establishing the hospital development board will be published and whether it will address the proposed maternity hospital. The Taoiseach expects an updated Health Minister’s report and says preparatory work can begin soon.
The Taoiseach might remember 6 November 2012 when he announced the site for the new national children's hospital. When will the legislation be published which will allow for a development board to be put in place to start the work? At the time, the Taoiseach promised works could start once the hospital decanted and that that would take six months but without a development board and a remit, one cannot submit planning applications and so on. Will the Taoiseach also inform the House whether that legislation, which has been delayed for some bizarre reason, will contain permission-----
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-----for a national maternity hospital? Will other legislation be required to give effect to a promise made by the previous Government and this one that a new maternity hospital would be built? Is a second Bill required?
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Obviously, this is one of the largest infrastructural projects that will ever be undertaken in the country. Currently, the project is to be in the Deputy's constituency but one never knows whether the boundary will be redrawn at some time in the future. In any event, there is a requirement for a number of boards to be appointed. I expect the Minister for Health to bring an updated report to the Cabinet, probably next week, on the developments. There is work that could be undertaken pretty much immediately adjacent to St. James's in respect of preparation for elements of what will be the national children's hospital.
Clearly, an issue arises with regard to a new national maternity hospital and the Minister for Health is dealing with that matter separately.