National Maternity Hospital

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Questions (679, 680)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

679. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the State will own the ground on which the new national maternity hospital is to be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54375/17]

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Róisín Shortall

Question:

680. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of negotiations regarding the construction of the new national maternity hospital; the parties involved in these negotiations; and if the new hospital building will remain in State ownership as stated in August 2017 (details supplied). [54376/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.

Following the grant of planning permission for the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the St. Vincent's University Hospital campus, the Design Team is continuing to work on the detailed design of the hospital and the preparation of tender documents. However, before final tender documents issue, and construction of the new hospital commences, it will be necessary to secure agreement between the State, the NMH and St. Vincent's Healthcare Group (SVHG) in relation to the future operation of the new hospital. To this end a draft legal framework is currently being finalised which will inter alia ensure that the State's significant investment in the new hospital will be protected.