Dáil debates

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

 

12:27 pm

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The core issues around the national maternity hospital remain unaddressed. I do not believe the women of Ireland are reassured by recent statements and assurances from the Taoiseach and the Government.

Three years post repeal, we only have one in ten GPs delivering abortion services and about half of maternity hospitals. This is a huge issue for marginalised women and for women in rural Ireland. Some of the professionals who have spoken recently have been genuine in stating they believe all services will be available in the new national maternity hospital but that misses the core point. Aside from the ownership of the land, there is the question of governance and control. We now know four members of the board will be appointed by the new St. Vincent's Holdings and four by the new maternity hospital designated activity company, DAC, which will be a subsidiary of St. Vincent's Holdings. We have never seen the legal documents surrounding this issue and the women of Ireland need answers. We are hurtling towards a recess. This House will rise in about two weeks' time and the issue seems to have been dropped by the Taoiseach. We need an answer.

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