Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
344. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if women will be able to access abortion, sterilisation, contraception or IVF healthcare or related treatment from the new national maternity hospital. [12240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government is also aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding ownership and governance of the new NMH, and recognises that these matters must be addressed.
The relocation of the NMH is a vital project and I have been clear that I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it provides assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. The safeguarding of the State’s investment must also be affirmed beyond doubt. As I have stated previously, work is ongoing on the legal arrangements that will be put in place to achieve these objectives.
I will bring a proposal to Government for approval to proceed once I am satisfied that the legal arrangements achieve the objectives that I set out above. However, I will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter until the process of engagement and deliberation regarding the legal arrangements has concluded.
