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

Yesterday, we were told, "It is a matter for the Business Committee" and that we should use our Private Members' time. Three times yesterday the question of the new national maternity hospital and the intentions of the Government were raised and these were the answers given. We were told it was a matter for the Business Committee to decide if we have a discussion on it, or that we should use our Private Members' time. Private Members' time has been used to discuss the new national maternity hospital and I disagree completely that it is just a matter for the Business Committee. We complain all the time that there are not enough women involved in politics. Here is a political issue that involves all women and girls, that is, the future of the new national maternity hospital, and we cannot get a proper debate on it or full information on what the Government intends to do. Does it intend to do the unthinkable and hand over the control of a national maternity hospital that will cost the State and the taxpayer at least €1 billion to the religious Sisters of Charity and a private company under St. Vincent's Holdings? We need answers to these questions. This is hugely important and involves half the population. It does not necessarily involve the men in suits who are negotiating it but it does involve the women and girls concerned.

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