THE GOVERNMENT has only itself to blame for what Taoiseach Enda Kenny described as the “games, speculation, rumours and allegations” that have flourished in the hothouse atmosphere generated by medico-political infighting over the location of a new national children’s hospital.
A decision that should have been taken months ago has been delayed and, because of recent tensions within Government over the location of primary care centres, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore attempted to fireproof his position by seeking external advice. That behaviour reflected internal party pressures and a concern to appear in control.
An alert Opposition would have represented the action as evidence of a breakdown of trust between Mr Gilmore and Minister for Health James Reilly, whose responsibility it is to assess the Dolphin report on potential hospital sites and make a recommendation to Cabinet. And so it happened. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin portrayed the Coalition as being dangerously unstable and Dr Reilly as a conniving, incompetent Minister. It was meat-and-drink politics that kept the focus on a health service in considerable and continuing trouble.
No matter what location is chosen as the site for the new hospital, allegations of bad faith, inadequate selection criteria and political interference can be expected. That is what happened when the last government nominated the Mater hospital site in 2006. Over many months, eminent paediatricians arrived at convincing but contradictory conclusions in the media about where the hospital should be located. Then, when Bertie Ahern’s constituency attracted the project, the outcome was damned as a “political stroke”.
On taking office, Dr Reilly ordered a mini-review of the Mater site decision and concluded it should stand. Following rejection of development plans by An Bord Pleanála, however, an expert group was established under businessman Frank Dolphin, to consider alternative proposals. An early decision was promised. As on the first occasion, however, war broke out between competing medical and commercial interests while politicians offered support from their constituencies.
A 70-page report was delivered to the Minister for Health last June but, four months later, it has not formally reached Cabinet. The contents, however, became known to Mr Gilmore and to other Ministers who were briefed on the matter. Despite that, a fiction of secrecy and ministerial ignorance was maintained until this week.
The Dolphin report evaluates competing proposals but does not recommend a specific site for development. That represents a considerable weakness in its terms of reference. Mr Gilmore may need to reassure Labour Party backbenchers his approval for a new site cannot be taken for granted and that, arising from the resignation of Róisín Shortall, the behaviour of Dr Reilly will be closely monitored.
By seeking external advice, however, a new benchmark has been set. Government decision-making – ponderous at the best of times – could face further delays.