Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Yes. I think I saw some reference to that effect in the media. I am under the impression that assurances were given to that effect, and that any concerns people may have had about the ethos of the Mater Hospital being fully enforced were allayed. I believe the Government intends that the new children's hospital will be multidenominational or secular, whichever term the Senator may prefer. I do not speak as an authority on the matter but I did read that members of the board of the AMNCH sought assurances to that effect in regard to the new children's hospital and, as far as I am aware, they were given. However, I do not wish to be too categoric in that regard. If a meeting was held with the Taoiseach, the matter was obviously brought to a high level and it is my understanding that assurances were given in regard to these concerns.