Health Minister Simon Harris has steered clear of criticising the main oversight bodies involved in the new children’s hospital project for massive cost overruns - instead pointing the finger of blame at professional advisory firms.

The health minister has thanked the project director of the National Children’s Hospital Development Board (NCHDB) for the “significant role” he played in progressing the flagship project.

The Government has been put on notice of possible legal action to stop the development of the new €1bn children’s hospital at the St James’ hospital campus in Dublin.

The Government has insisted it remains 100% committed to the long-awaited national children’s hospital as it ordered experts to explain why planners rejected the Mater site.