I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
I am very aware of the difficulties in relation to this 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.
Since I took office earlier this month, I have met with representatives of both hospitals to impress upon them the need to find a resolution to enable the project to proceed without further delay. I am meeting both hospitals on 26 May 2016 and I am considering what further efforts can be made to resolve the current impasse but, it is important to note, I am not in a position impose a solution as both hospitals are voluntary independent organisations. Any solution must, of course, be in line with Government maternity policy, as outlined in the national maternity strategy.