Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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203. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in finalising the deal with St. Vincent's Hospital group with regard to the future of the national maternity hospital; the nature of the agreement in respect of the site to be provided; the outstanding impediments to the completion of the deal; the timescale to which he is working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28357/18]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health if the new national maternity hospital will remain in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28358/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

The terms of the Mulvey agreement provide for the establishment of a new company which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.

At present, a draft legal framework is being finalised which will ensure that the State's significant investment in the new maternity hospital will be protected. This framework will also further underpin the operational and clinical independence of the new hospital; it is intended that the new hospital building will remain in State ownership.

This work has proven to be highly complex and, consequently, taken some time to progress. While completion of the detailed legal agreement will require further engagement between both hospitals, the HSE and my Department, I can confirm that a broad understanding has been reached on the way forward.