Reaction:There has been broadly positive reaction to the Health Service Executive's report on the future of paediatric services in Ireland.
In a joint statement, Temple Street Children's hospital and the Mater welcomed the proposed national tertiary children's hospital, describing it as offering the opportunity for the creation of a "world-class" facility.
"The emphasis on the placement of the National Tertiary Children's Hospital on the same site as an acute adult hospital is welcomed and significant," said Temple Street chief executive Paul Cunniffe.
"It matches the research done by the Mater and Temple Street. All over the world this is the key emerging trend, allowing the constant improving of skills and facilities and the provision of a seamless services for sick children right into adulthood," he said.
"We look forward to working with the HSE, our colleagues in Crumlin and Tallaght to provide the best possible care for the nation's children," said Mr Cunniffe.
The board of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, also welcomed the recommendation of the report.
"We unequivocally committed to working closely with the Joint Department of Health and Children Health Service Executive Taskforce with a view to having a new world class hospital for the children of Ireland at the early possible date," it said in a statement this afternoon.
The Council for Children's Hospitals Care (CCHC) also praised the report.
"This is an extremely important document which is long overdue and we are pleased that the process is now moving on, in the interests of all the children of Ireland," said CCHC chief officer Helen Byrne.
"There is clearly much work to be done to implement the findings of the report but we are confident that whatever the outcome, the three children's hospitals can work together along with the CCHC, as we have been doing for more than five years, to secure and develop paediatric services in this country and provide a modern enhanced service for children and families, " she added.
However, Labour Party spokesperson on health Liz McManus said it was not certain that one single specialised hospital could adequately meet the needs of all children in the State.
"Whenever a final decision is finally made, it must be taken solely on the basis on the medical needs of children and must not be driven by cost factors. The whole question of access for children and their families is crucial and services must be located on sites that are convenient and accessible," she said.
"This report will renew concern among people on the northside of Dublin and among staff at Temple Street hospital that its planned relocation to the Mater campus will not go ahead."
"More than €46 million has already been spent on preparations for the relocation. In addition firm commitments have been given by the Taoiseach, among others, that this project will go ahead," she added.