Tánaiste takes responsibility following 15th pushback on children's hospital completion

Speaking in the Dáil, Simon Harris said: 'I am responsible, of course. I am responsible for bringing the proposal to the Cabinet and for recommending we proceed'

The National Children's Hospital on the ground of St James' Hospital has had its completion date pushed back again, sparking anger from opposition TDs in the Dáíl. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has taken responsibility for the National Children's Hospital after being accused in the Dáil of "declaring open season on the public finances" when he signed the project contract.

Members of the opposition rounded on the Fine Gael leader after it was revealed that completion of the hospital has now been pushed back for the 15th time, with a new date set for September.