I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the commitment in the programme for Government on the National Maternity Hospital. As he is aware, the previous Government committed €150 million for the project and planning permission was to have been lodged in the final quarter of last year. The project is now seven months behind schedule. A mediator was appointed months ago to sort out the problem and was to report back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. Has the mediator reported back, and when will we see progress on a new National Maternity Hospital?

Deputy Howlin was in government himself when the money was allocated for the project. I find it disgraceful that the situation has not been resolved. As the Deputy is aware, it is not a political problem. The money is in place, a mediator was appointed and people should be able to agree. I have heard so many instances of the inadequacy of the building that has been the National Maternity Hospital for more than 100 years. The details should all be arranged and the project should move on. I will advise Deputy Howlin when I speak to the Minister for Health about the progress being made by the mediator. This is something that is in the interests of everybody.