Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
1111. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the legal and governance basis upon which Children's Health Ireland holds final decision-making authority regarding the timing of patient transfer to the National Children's Hospital; and whether this authority is set out in statute, contract, or administrative arrangement. [32736/26]
View answer1112. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE or the Department of Health retains any power to override or delay a Go/No-Go decision made by the Children's Health Ireland Board; and if so, the circumstances under which such intervention may occur. [32737/26]
View answer1114. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any independent external validation or audit is required before a Go/No-Go decision on the transfer to the National Children's Hospital is confirmed; and if so, to provide details. [32739/26]
View answer1115. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what contingency planning is in place in the event that a Go/No-Go decision is reversed within the 15-day decision window; and the estimated operational and financial impact of such a reversal. [32740/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1111, 1112, 1114 and 1115 together.
The Children’s Health Act (2018), which established Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), is the legislative and legal basis upon which CHI plan, conduct, maintain, manage, provide and develop paediatric services. In addition, CHI enters into an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the HSE with respect to the delivery of services as per Section 38 of the Health Act (2004).
The National Children's Hospital Ireland (NCHI) Project and Programme has specific governance structures as set out below:
• Under the revised governance structures approved by Government in November 2021, the National Oversight Group oversees and monitors the progress of the National Children’s Hospital Ireland Project and Programme. The Group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health, and membership includes the HSE CEO.
• The National Director for Planning and Performance in the HSE is the Lead Director for the National Children's Hospital Project and Programme. The Lead Director reports to the National Oversight Group on oversight and coordination of the overall programme and provides assurance that the programme is progressing on time and on budget. The Lead Director chairs a monthly Lead Director meeting with members including senior representatives from the HSE, CHI, and the National Paediatric Development Board (NPHDB).
The decision in relation to the timing of the transfer of services to the NCHI will be informed by a process that will assess the organisational readiness and make a Go/No-Go recommendation, based on all relevant clinical and operational factors.
The Go/No-Go decision-making will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the HSE and my Department, through the established programme governance structures, including the HSE Lead Director process and NCHI National Oversight Group.
