Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1000. To ask the Minister for Health if governance issues have been resolved regarding the proposed new national maternity hospital at a site owned by a religious group (details supplied); his views on whether Holles Street hospital may be eliminated as an independent entity if it has no role in governance at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Last November, following mediation discussions, agreement was reached between the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) and St Vincent's Hospital Group (SVHG) on a new governance structure for the co-located hospitals on the St Vincent's campus. The agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - The National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC (limited by shares). The new company will have clinical and operational independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services, as well as financial and budgetary independence. The agreement protects the identity and branding of the NMH and the right to the use of the new maternity hospital facility. I am therefore assured that the long and distinguished identity, ethos and tradition of the NMH will remain.

The development of the new NMH at St Vincent's, which will cater for up to 10,000 births per annum, will constitute the largest single investment ever to be made in maternity services in Ireland. I am delighted to confirm that the project has recently progressed to planning stage.