Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had a closing speech prepared, but I would prefer to try to address as many of the points raised as I can.

I start by thanking colleagues for their time and contributions. It is important to have this debate. It is one of several we have had on this essential issue, including at the Joint Committee on Health. I am struck by the disconnect between the amount of disagreement, which we will always have, given that this is one of the Chambers where we will probe the areas as required, and the overshadowing of the significant agreement on most parts of the project. Obviously, colleagues will speak for themselves, but I think we are all agreed that Holles Street is not fit for purpose. I think we are all agreed that co-location is the right approach for all of the reasons that have been laid out. Deputy Durkan and others have mentioned that several hundred women per year need access to medical services while in Holles Street that Holles Street does not have. I think there is broad agreement that it needs to be co-located. I think there is broad agreement that it must be a state-of-the-art hospital with a very significant investment in facilities, diagnostics, equipment and clinics. I think we all agree that this is urgent. Many Deputies have spoken about how long it has taken.

I think we are all agreed that it must be fully independent – operationally independent, clinically independent and financially independent. I believe we are all in agreement – maybe not everyone in both Houses, but certainly everyone who participated in this debate – that all services must be provided. I think we are in agreement that the State should own the building, and it will. I think we are all in agreement that it is our preference, and in many cases strong preference, that the State-----

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