Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The people of Ireland want the Government to make the right decision. The Taoiseach spoke about this being an equation whereby it could take some period of time for the hospital to be built if we CPO it. To be honest, given the statement issued, unless the group has a complete change of heart, engages with the Minister and decides to gift the land, I do not believe the Government will have any choice because the public will not tolerate it. That is the reality. I do not say that with any glee. I do not wish we were here, but we are here. This is a crossroads for Irish society. The idea that the church is going to have a role in healthcare and maternity care is just not an option. It cannot happen. The Taoiseach's Government is going to have to be the one that will make sure this change happens because the time is now. Not only that, I am saying clearly that the Government should nationalise the entire campus if the group is not willing to see that change. We will support it 100%. I have been advocating for the nationalisation of private hospitals, as the Taoiseach knows, for some time.

In this scenario, we need leverage. The group is not going to do anything, it is not going to change. That statement was insulting and infuriating. Let the Taoiseach consider this-----

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