Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The development of the new national maternity hospital is an issue that we cannot ignore. While there is no doubt that the issue is complex, we must find a solution. The debate largely receives media attention in correlation to the religious association but we must recognise the commitments the religious order has made. The commitments in the national maternity hospital vision statement aim for an Ireland where all maternity services ensure that women and babies have access to safe and high-quality care in a setting that is most appropriate to their needs. Women and families are placed at the centre of all services and are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Parents are supported before, during and after pregnancy to allow them to give their children the best possible start in life. This is the priority that must be met. We must continue to be at the forefront for the maternity services aimed for.

The Religious Sisters of Charity made commitments when arranging the gifting of the land. The charity said it was standing back and would gift the entire hospital to the Irish people. While I understand that there is a debate and that there are reservations around the ownership of the site and the hospital, I was heartened to hear both the Minister for Health and the Tánaiste say recently that they were confident that it would be resolved and that there was ongoing engagement. To me, that was a good commitment.

Regardless of the individual reasons, the commitments to have women and families at the centre of all services have been at the forefront and the Religious Sisters of Charity have committed that they would stand back and gift the hospital to the Irish people. We must follow through with these commitments.