Minister must ensure value for money on Children’s Hospital
WHEN the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the people of this country responded to an unprecedented challenge with remarkable solidarity across all social classes. The news this week that the coronavirus crisis is going to increase the cost of a vitally important national infrastructure project, the National Children’s Hospital, shows that we are back to business as usual in terms of value for public money.
The dispute that delayed the resumption of work is one thing, but the news that the already eye-watering €1.7bn cost is expected by senior health sources to escalate to as much as €2.5bn raises serious questions about the management of the public purse.
At every stage of this project, there seems to have been a failure to tackle the issues with the intent and imagination vital to the delivery of such a crucial facility.
Every time the costs go up, we are presented almost with a fait accompli and the taxpayer is told there is nothing to be done, despite the fact it is likely to be among the Top 20 most expensive buildings globally.
While we accept the pandemic could not have been foreseen, we still believe in the power of the State to effect great change efficiently if it is managed appropriately.
Unfortunately, whenever the Children’s Hospital is finally opened, it will be clear that this project was not a shining example of well-managed capital expenditure. Indeed, it is much more likely it will be used for decades to come as a case study in precisely how not to build a project of this size.
New Health Minister Stephen Donnelly may be in the unfortunate position of having received a literal, as well as figurative, hospital pass in this case. Nonetheless, he now holds this poisoned chalice.
As the ultimate guardian of the taxpayer’s interest in this matter, it is his job to deliver the hospital without further delays and, just as importantly, to deliver value for money.
UNIFORM CHANGE BADLY NEEDED
SCHOOLS have resisted generic school uniforms because of tradition – and sweetheart deals with certain suppliers that hand over a cut of the revenue. Now, though, is not the time to hide behind rigid concepts.
If uniforms are to be maintained in the coming school year, parents will need to buy more of them and wash or have them dry cleaned more often to ensure Covid guidelines for pupils are met. On top of books, tablets and transport, that is a significant expense.
Many parents of school-age children were, and still are, dependent on the Covid payment to keep their families fed. That is why one simple measure to minimise the impact on parents would be to allow generic uniforms, that don’t have to be bought in specially designated shops at outrageous prices.
TONE’S DOCUMENT BELONGS TO NATION
A HANDWRITTEN Wolfe Tone document is coming up for sale in Whyte’s auction house. It is interesting to see the document emerge and it is the kind of material that should be kept in the State and be accessible to the public. While finances obviously are stretched, we would urge Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin to consider ensuring this historical artefact is not lost to the nation.