Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately that was not really an answer in respect of the governance and the concerns that have been expressed. The history of this hospital has been one of chaos, political fallout, and public outcry with regard to governance. Essentially it is a Catholic and private hospital. There is an idea to compulsorily purchase the land so that it would be truly national - it is called the National Maternity Hospital for a purpose - but it seems politicians are deaf to the concerns of the public they serve. One seat at the table for an extra public interest member is being proposed. The National Children's Hospital and Our Lady's Children's Hospital have granted and signed over the land, building and governance of the new national children's hospital to the State. There will be at least two patients' advocates on the board of that hospital. There will only be one on the very concentrated board of this hospital, which will be privately owned and religiously run and which will have that ethos. We are trying so hard in this country to get rid of that ethos and to shake off the shackles of religious influence over our health. The interests of the public and of women are not being served here. The response just does not cut the mustard.