Go ahead given to BAM April 2017 despite Cost and Medical concerns

2nd February 2017 – BAM states that the company had been notified that it is the preferred bidder for the NCH construction contract.

There is no DoH statement on the matter but Minister for Finance , Paschal Donohoe,states on RTE One’s ‘Morning Ireland’ that the process is ongoing and that a ‘business case’ was yet to be presented to him to make a decision on. He will be working with Minister Harris on this.

13th February – A letter is sent to all members of the Cabinet from the Connolly for Kids Hospital Group including the New Children’s Hospital Alliance(NCHA) and the Jack and Jill Foundation requesting that certain questions be answered on Cost and other matters before the contract is approved by cabinet.

6th March 2017 – Minister of Health, Simon Harris, is tasked by Cabinet with answering the questions in that letter “directly and with urgency” but despite repeated requests by the Government Chief Whip, Regina Doherty, no reply to the letter is received from the Minister – this is the Minister who prides himself in demanding “democratic accountability”

24th April 2017 – Minister for Health Simon Harris presents a formal memo to Cabinet . Cabinet approves the Definitive Business Case, including the full project cost.

3rd August 2017 – BAM signs the Construction Contract