Independent TD Mattie McGrath has described the latest revelations about the run-away costs associated with the development of the National Children’s Hospital as a financial horror story that has damned Fine Gael’s management of large scale health infrastructure projects. Deputy McGrath was speaking after Dublin City University Professor, Paul Davis, who is also a public procurement expert, warned that the project cost will reach at least €2.4 billion. Details have also emerged which show that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), will need at least €15 million to defend itself against on onslaught of legal claims being made by contractors at the St James’ site:
“These revelations should be the final nail in the coffin as regards any lingering perception that the management of the health service and vital health infrastructure was in good hands with Fine Gael and the last government.
Minister Harris has now officially presided over the most obscenely wasteful and reckless health project in the history of the state.
It has been a disaster from the minute Minister Harris took office.
We have to remember that this is the same Minister for Health who confirmed to me in a PQ reply that he has only personally met with the National Paediatric Hospital development board on two occasions since May 2016 when he became Minister for Health – once on a visit to the new children hospital site on 28th August 2019 and most recently at a meeting with the Chair and Chief Officer of the NPHDB on 18th November 2019.
What kind of pathetic leadership and oversight does that indicate.
For the good of the entire health service and the health of the children of the Ireland this Minister should not be left within a hundred miles of the department of health.
The tragic reality is that this project is likely to top €3 billion before it ends.
That would be enough to mortify and embarrass most governments and most Ministers.
Unfortunately, this government have become more arrogant at the same speed as the costs have risen.
That tells us all we need to know about their so called commitment to developing a world class children’s health service,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
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