Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The real issue that was raised legitimately was the State's interest in this and guaranteeing that women will have access to all services that are legally permissible. That was a core issue that was raised some time ago around the whole proposal for co-location. That happened many years ago for the reason I have given, which is that people think that is the way to get the best outcomes. The issue of women being entitled to all services has been comprehensively guaranteed in the constitution of the new hospital, in the operating licence granted by the HSE, which imposes an obligation on the new national maternity hospital to provide such services and in the powers given to the Minister in the form of the golden share to enforce the reserved powers. The arrangement brokered by Mr. Kieran Mulvey only allowed for one public interest director where we are now providing for three ministerial directors to be appointed in the public interest, along with three from the maternity hospital and three from St. Vincent's Healthcare Group.

It is a far more advanced agreement now than was the case, having listened to what people said and responded to the concerns people legitimately raised. There is always balance and perspective in a debate-----

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