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.