David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask a question regarding the national maternity hospital. I discussed this in private with the Minister recently and it is useful to have the opportunity to discuss this publicly. There are concerns about the company which essentially owns the land. My understanding is it is pre the Sisters of Charity. Issues have been legitimately been raised regarding the ownership of the hospital and what impact it will have on the running of the hospital. Will the Minister address that point? Has the Department at any time considered purchasing the land by way of a compulsory purchase order? Was it possible to do that? I assume that would be one way to solve this issue and to make sure both the building and land is fully in public ownership and fully managed by the HSE and the State.