Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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547. To ask the Minister for Health the precise nature of the ownership and governance structure of the new national maternity hospital. [17895/17]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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630. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the removal of ex officio positions for the Roman Catholic Church in the governing bodies of the National Maternity Hospital; if he will seek a change in the hospital's charter relating to the composition of the governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 547 and 630 together.

Last November, following mediation discussions, agreement was reached between the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) and the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group 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). It envisages the transfer of significant statutory powers from the existing Charter to the new company. As such, 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. It is intended that the Trust, or a successor thereof, would retain certain activities, including those relating to nominations to the new company, fund raising and teaching and research etc.

The agreement secured protects the identity and branding of the NMH and the right to use of the new maternity hospital facility. The autonomy of the NMH Board will be underpinned by reserved powers to ensure clinical and operational independence, and the Minister for Health will hold the power to protect those reserved powers. The financial interests of the State will be protected through a requirement for a lien to be placed on the hospital.