Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to note that the arrangements in respect of this new hospital were published by my Department on 24 November 2016 of last year. The statement of 24 November covered all of these issues, including the ownership of the company, clinical independence and the composition of the board. As such, that information was first put in the public domain on 24 November which is a point it is important to make.

I want to be crystal clear about this. The hospital will have full clinical independence. I intend to ensure that clinical independence is further underpinned in legal arrangements. The Deputy does not need to take only my word for it. The Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dr. Rhona Mahony, has made it very clear. Every single service available in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, will be available in the new national maternity hospital, including, if the people of this country decide to change the law, any services which could then be provided which are not legally permitted now. Many people asked whether Holles Street would be able to comply with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act. I was in the House at the time when that was debated. The question was asked whether voluntary hospitals would comply and they have complied. This hospital will have full clinical independence, which is in black and white in the agreement. I will underpin that further in legal agreements. Let us take the next month to get this absolutely right.

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