Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
721. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health his progress or that of the Health Service Executive in mediating a resolution of the dispute over governance of the co-location of the new National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, with St. Vincent’s, Elm Park. [9809/16]
View answer722. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, and for how long, there will be a delay to a new maternity hospital due to the dispute between Holles Street hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital. [9810/16]
View answer723. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health to seek a meeting with the boards of the National Maternity Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital to resolve outstanding issues and to ensure that a new maternity hospital is delivered on time. [9811/16]
View answer724. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the amount spent to date in developing and planning on co-locating the National Maternity Hospital with St. Vincent’s Elm Park. [9812/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 721 to 724, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the difficulties in relation to the project and the efforts that have been undertaken to mediate a resolution. Meetings were held last year with both hospitals at departmental and ministerial level and, at the request of Minister Varadkar, a facilitated dialogue was undertaken earlier this year. Both parties remain in contact with my Department in relation to their respective concerns, and I am considering what further efforts can be made to resolve the current impasse. However, it is important to note that as both hospitals are voluntary independent organisations, I cannot impose a solution.
Unfortunately I am not in a position to predict timelines for the project but I remain hopeful that a solution can be found. Ultimately, both hospitals will have to reach an agreement if the project, as envisaged, is to proceed. Total expenditure on the project up to May 1st 2016 was €4.73 million.
I intend to meet with both hospitals in the coming days.
