Confirmation of yet another delay to the National Children’s Hospital shows that the government has completely lost control of the multi-billion-euro project, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice, who is chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, said:
“It is utterly unacceptable that the latest completion date of November 24 is now set to be missed. Incredibly, this is the 16th time the delivery date will have strayed from what was promised.
“The Minister for Health needs to stop acting as a commentator by constantly attempting to foist all the blame for the ongoing slippage on BAM. The contractor has serious questions to answer but that does not absolve the government of responsibility for this fiasco.
“There is an overwhelming sense that nobody in government is in control of one of the most expensive capital projects in the history of the State.
“The fingerprints of four Ministers for Health – including two former Taoisigh – are now all over this disaster, with not one of them prepared to accept any responsibility for the endless delays and runaway costs.
“The children of this country, who are being treated in antiquated and unsuitable hospitals, deserve better from this government. They need to know when this hospital is going to open – and why the Minister isn’t taking charge of the situation.”
October 15, 2025