Cabinet to discuss National Children's Hospital process

The proposed National Children's Hospital will be up for discussion once again at today's weekly Cabinet meeting.

Ministers are due to decide the terms of reference for a group set up to advise the Government on the project, after a planning application for the Mater site in Dublin was rejected.

The site for the extensive new Children's Hospital at the Mater was turned down by An Bord Pleanála because of the impact the proposed design would have on the Dublin skyline.

It comes as two farmers have offered a site on their land off the M50 near Dublin Airport for the new hospital.

The brothers believe it is in an ideal spot for co-location with an adult hospital and would provide easy access for patients.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet will also hear discussions on when would be the best time to hold the EU Fiscal Treaty referendum, although no final decision will be made today.