Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Let us be fair here. The Deputy should not put words into my mouth. The Minister for Health has inherited this situation and is dealing with it. First of all, there has to be stronger public interest on the board. The current structure in terms of the membership of the board is not satisfactory. Second, in my view, when the State is investing, the State should own. Third, I am simply saying to the Deputy that those who have been involved in the negotiations to date are absolutely adamant that there will be no influence by any religious ethos and, in particular, the Catholic church or the Sisters of Charity will have no influence - good, bad or indifferent - whatsoever in terms of this national maternity hospital. They are very clear about that.

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