![]() It would ensure the best protection for the state’s interests in what will be a very, very expensive project. “This would provide absolute, airtight clarity. McDonald told the Taoiseach: “I want to put it to you that the very best way to allay fears and resolve this problem is for the Government to secure full public ownership of the land. Taking questions from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil today, Martin also insisted that there was no “conspiracy” behind the plans. ![]() Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously described this model as “effective” public ownership of the NMH. Vincent’s Hospital, there’s a complete separation. We’re saying goodbye to the church completely, there is no religious ethos pertaining St. With this project, we’re moving forward again. That was a pivotal point I think in our history in terms of moving forward and moving forward with women’s health. Mahony referenced the Repeal the 8th campaign, which she describes as a “real moment”, and noted that she was one of the voices at the centre of it:īy 2018, we had all come together and we had a movement and we were able to talk and express what happened to women. People are rightly demanding that when it comes to our new National Maternity Hospital, there is, and there can be, no religious involvement,” Donnelly said in his opening statement.ĭr Rhona Mahony, who was was the first female master the NMH.įormer master of the NMH Dr Rhona Mahony said the new NMH is “saying goodbye to the church completely”. “Ireland does not have a good track record when it comes to religion and women’s reproductive rights. The religious congregation has now transferred its ownership and if the relocation plan goes ahead the State would lease the land for 299 years.ĭonnelly told committee that there must be “no religious influence, now or in the future” with the NMH that this goal is achieved by the current proposed structure. The relocation of the NMH to a site on the grounds of St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin has proved highly controversial as, until recently, the site was owned by the Religious Sisters of Charity. In his opening statement to the committee earlier today, Donnelly said that religion and women’s reproductive rights in Ireland “do not have a good track record” and that people’s concerns are therefore valid. It is only right that we hear from them as many of the issues and concerns centre around the ownership of the land,” he said. The committee is also expected to write to St Vincent’s Healthcare Group asking them to attend a hearing next week.Ĭullinane said following today’s meeting hat it is important the committee has “sufficient time to do its work” The requests asks for a response from the minister as soon as possible. The letter to Donnelly seeks that the minister provides extra time to the committee before Cabinet makes a decision. Vincent’s Hospital.įollowing today’s hearing, the committee has now written to Donnelly to seek a further delay on the Cabinet decision to allow more for consideration of the matter ![]() The committee is scheduled to address the matter again tomorrow and will be hearing from former master of the NMH Dr Peter Boylan, who has been a staunch critic of the proposed move to the Elm Park site at St. In response, Donnelly said “it’s a matter for Cabinet”, before adding: “Let’s see how this week goes, there has been an awful lot of scrutiny.” “Are you prepared to recommend to Cabinet to hold off for another couple of weeks?” she asked, noting that the committee only had this week to consider the plans. Social Democrats co-leader Roisín Shortall TD also sought to quiz the minister on the two-week pause in the plans, asking Donnelly whether it could be extended further. “Whilst I believe it is Cabinet’s intention to progress with this, in terms of exactly what is brought to Cabinet I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Donnelly said in response. The minister was responding to questions from Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane TD, who asked him whether the pause allows room for more negotiations with the St Vincent’s Hospital Group or whether the pause was “an exercise” for the minister to “sell this deal”. Speaking at the committee this morning, Donnelly said it is the intention of government to proceed with the project but he also left the door open to changes to the proposals. THE OIREACHTAS HEALTH Committee has formally asked Minister Stephen Donnelly for a further pause to a Cabinet decision on the plans for the National Maternity Hospital (NMH).Ĭabinet was due to sign off on plans for the hospital last week but this was paused for two weeks due to ongoing criticism on the project and to allow Donnelly appear before the committee. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |