Chief Executive of the HSE Bernard Gloster has said he does not know when the new National Children’s Hospital will open.
The board overseeing the completion of the hospital has disputed claims by the contractor that "persistent change" to the buildings design has resulted in significant delays.
"I don’t (know) at this time other than our expectation clearly from the contractor on the last plan was early 2024," Bernard Gloster told RTÉ’s News at One.
"I’m waiting to see what the timebound compliant plan would be. We’ve already heard indications that it’s shoving out towards the winter.
"We’re going to have to look at that and see what happens in the coming weeks. As you have heard in the last couple of weeks there is a lot of toing and froing.
"There are very sensitive discussions taking place between the Pediatric Hospital Development Board and BAM."
Mr Gloster added: "I’ve met with the Pediatric Hospital Development Board. I’ve visited the site.
"We need, as do the board, a compliant, realistic timebound completion plan from the contractor.
"I’m very hopeful that that’s going to come and come shortly.
"I wouldn’t want to try to interfere with the process or cause any additional strain."
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Sinn Féin's health spokesperson David Cullinane has called for clarity on the final date and cost of the new National Children's Hospital.
Mr Cullinane said that it was clear that there had been a breakdown in the relationship between the contractor and the board overseeing the project.
Speaking at Leinster House, Mr Cullinane called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly not to be a "commentator" and to be "proactively involved" in trying to resolve outstanding issues.
