Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note that Professor Madden and Dr. Sarah McLoughlin, two of the women of the national maternity hospital, have specifically said in their statement that boards: "influence the culture, values, and ethics of the entity they govern, and this gives rise to legitimate concerns". That would clear things up somewhat and would remove an ambiguous phrase from interpretation in that way.

I am also concerned about the value for money issue and the freedom of the State in this matter. I know it was mentioned that the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, building would be sold and that this might contribute to the building of the first hospital on this site, which will then be given to the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group. We have heard that there is likely to be a 70-year lifespan for a hospital on this site. Mr. McGarr might clarify the following point. The rent is €850,000 per year and is only waived down to €10 per year on condition of the permitted use happening in a full and ongoing way. Is it the case that at the expiry of a hospital in 70 years’ time the State would be obliged to build a new hospital and maybe another four or five hospitals subsequent to that to ensure it continues in the permitted use? If it fails to do so, will it be subject to a return to market rent rates, which is currently €850,000 per year on the site?