Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to reassure the Deputy. I set out my understanding in my original contribution to this House. In fact, I said that canon law plays no part in the new maternity hospital. I have said that on a number of occasions here, including my initial contribution, and I will say it again to the Deputy. The House can be assured that maternity and reproductive healthcare at the new hospital will not be compromised. The Minister for Health is adamant about what will happen. He will not bring any proposal to the Government unless it provides assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new hospital and ensuring the State’s significant investment in the new hospital is appropriately protected. I hope that will give the Deputy some comfort. The Government is committed to this key project in the way I have set out. The Deputy mentioned clinical governance and it is not canon law and we are quite clear on that.

I emphasise that the Government is fully committed to promoting and improving women’s health outcomes more generally. That commitment is reflected in budget 2022, which includes a spend of €31 million for new development funding specifically to support women’s health. The relocation of the national maternity hospital is a very significant part of the Government’s objectives in that regard. We remain committed to providing the highest quality infrastructure and environment to facilitate the delivery of a modern, safe and quality maternity service for women and infants over many years to come. I note that the Deputy has mentioned that it is a 299-year lease. It is important that there is no canon law involved in it and there will not be, which is my understanding of this.

See this speech in context