Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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989. To ask the Minister for Health the availability of IVF, sterilisation and abortion procedures allowed by law in the new National Maternity Hospital; and if this will be affected by the ownership structure of the hospital. [19992/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Following extensive mediation discussions, agreement was reached late last year between the St.Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the relocation of the NMH to the Elm Park campus. The terms of the agreement, which has now been published,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, as well financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.

This independence will be assured by the reserved powers which are set out in the agreement and will be copperfastened by the golden share which will be held by the Minister for Health of the day. These reserved powers can only be amended with the unanimous written approval of the Directors and with the approval of the Minister for Health. The Board of the new NMH will comprise nine directors; four nominated by SVHG, four by NMH, including the Master, and one will be an international expert in obstetrics and gynaecology. Two of the NMH Directors will also sit on the SVHG Board.

The agreement ensures that a full range of health services will be available at the NMH at Elm Park without religious, ethnic or other distinction. In that regard, I welcome the confirmation by the Board of SVHG that any medical procedure, which is in accordance with the laws of this State, will be carried out at the new hospital. In conclusion, I can confirm that the change in location of the NMH will not impact on the type of services provided.