Mr. Paul Reid:

This was the exact driver of the HSE board. It was to protect the hospital so that other services not related to those to be delivered by it would not end up being provided there in any scenario. In fairness, this dialogue and discussion happened between all parties. All parties were in agreement that this scenario cannot emerge. The intention was to strengthen all of this.

With regard to the budget, what is important in any future national service plan is that the budget is committed, as it is at present, to national women and infants health programmes, particularly to maternity and the wider services I have referenced. This was the exact driver of the discussion and the debate. It is to future-proof the hospital so the scenarios the Deputy outlined regarding other services that are not related to a national maternity hospital cannot end up being deployed in it. We are confident, with all parties, that it is protected.