Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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186. To ask the Minister for Health if he is seeking to include a public interest director on the board of the new national maternity hospital in view of media reports (details supplied); if so, the purpose of such a role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51465/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently engaging with the hospitals in relation to the legal framework required to protect the State's investment in the new hospital. In those circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to provide any detailed comment on the issues at hand. However, in broad terms, there are three substantive issues to be finalised: confirmation of the withdrawal of the Sisters of Charity from the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group; ensuring that the new hospital remains in public ownership; and making sure that there is a robust and modern governance system in place to protect the State's interest.