The new National Children’s Hospital will have 380 beds, and not 300 as has been said in some quarters, the Dáil has heard.
Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy cited a video that mentioned 300 beds, which – if accurate – would be “entirely unacceptable”.
Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, Minister O’Brien said that according to the information he has today, there are 300 ensuite rooms, 60 critical care rooms, and 20 CAHMs beds, giving a total of 380 beds.
The minister also told the Dáil that the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) deserves to have a compensation process restarted.
“I really do want to see that process restart,” he told Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik.
Mr O’Brien said he met with Finola Cassidy of the ITA last week, and will raise the issue with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.
He said he “earnestly” wants talks with association “restarted” over its call for a State apology, fair compensation and a healthcare package on a statutory basis.
Ms Bacik said the ITA had been waiting to long for a comprehensive solution.
‘Cocaine in every parish in Ireland’
The Dáil has heard that synthetic cannabis is “one of the most dangerous drugs” in Ireland because it is laboratory produced and is 100 times stronger than a “normal joint”
Minister O’Brien said he accepted there had been an increase in drug use in the country and associated anti-social behaviour, something he said he had seen “at first hand.”
The minister said younger people had to be educated to “make the right decision” but, at the same time, it was “so important” to ensure gardaí carry out more visible community policing.
He was replying to Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy, who said that cocaine was now in “every parish in Ireland” and can be ordered as quickly as ordering a pizza to your home.
She said the “epidemic of drugs” was fuelling anti social behaviour, adding that business and retail staff were alarmed by the fighting, open drugs use and brawling in the streets.
Deputy Murphy said people in her constituency were “afraid to walk the streets during the day” let alone the night.
She said prevention was a key objective and it was wrong that €500 million worth of naval vessels were tied-up, because there was no personnel.
Minister O’Brien replied that the Government has embarked on a significant recruitment campaign for the Naval Service.
Additional reporting Paul Cunningham
