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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Children's hospital overruns

Summary

Senator Leyden sought to replace the scheduled business with a debate on the national children’s hospital cost overrun and possible cuts to other projects, especially in Roscommon. The Chair noted the proposal, but it was not pressed to conclusion before other business continued.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 3 will not be proceeded with and that it be replaced by a request to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and Finance, Deputy Donohoe, to come to the House to outline in detail the projects that will be cancelled or postponed due to the overrun of costs at the national children's hospital on the St. James's site.

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The Senator is scaremongering.

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I am referring to projects like the rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital, the 50-bed unit at the Sacred Heart hospital in Roscommon, which is very badly needed and has been promised by general election candidates of the Fine Gael Party over the last number of years, the refurbishment of the courthouse in Roscommon, flood relief and national roads. Of course, all of these projects are being held until after 24 May for the council elections and European elections. Let us tell the truth. It is not the third secret of Fatima. These projects are very clearly identified. The Government cannot afford the overrun of €500 million or more in regard to this project. It is a very badly handled project, which has been debated so many times. Our dear colleague, Senator Maura Hopkins, who is the candidate for Fine Gael in the general election of the next year-----

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-----has been reassuring the electorate again in the Roscommon Herald this week, where she is photographed outside the Sacred Heart hospital, and is saying, "Don't worry. Fear not." However, in the words of a well-known character, she would say that.

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It is true. Anyway, Senator Leyden would say what he is saying.

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I am delighted to say that.

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He will want to bring back Seán Doherty next.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I ask Senator Leyden to wind up.

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I will certainly wind up. On behalf of the electorate of Roscommon, I really appreciate Senator Hopkins putting her neck out.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator cannot address Members across the Chamber. He is also half a minute over time.

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I admire Senator Hopkins for her courage. I am very impressed that she is prepared to give those commitments without the support of the Department of Finance.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Thank you. We have the proposal.

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We can postpone the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill today at 3 p.m. and have this matter debated today in the House.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator's proposal is noted.

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