I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 200, inclusive, 213 and 214 together.
The Independent Review of Maternity and Gynaecology Services in the Greater Dublin Area was commissioned by the HSE and published in 2008. That review identified St Vincent's University Hospital as the most appropriate location for the redevelopment of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH). The site was at the time, and still is, in private ownership and was not on the market. The question of the purchase of the site did not therefore arise.
Last November, following mediation discussions, agreement was reached between the NMH and the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group on a new governance structure for the co-located hospitals on the St. Vincent's campus. The agreement 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 independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services, as well as financial and budgetary independence, but will not have a role in relation to the State redress scheme.
I am satisfied that the agreement secured protects the identity and branding of the NMH and the right to use of the new maternity hospital facility. The autonomy of the NMH Board will be underpinned by reserved powers to ensure clinical and operational independence, and the Minister for Health will hold the power to protect those reserved powers. I am also satisfied that the financial interests of the State will be protected through a requirement for a lien to be placed on the hospital. I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with further details of the mechanisms which will be put in place to protect the State's investment in the new hospital.