Shortall Says Tánaiste Can't Guarantee Anything In Relation To The National Maternity Hospital.

Monday, 21 June 2021 09:25

The Sisters of Charity have gifted the site to a private organisation, which will lease it to the State and govern the hospital.

The co-leader of the Social Democrats says the Tanaiste can't guarantee anything in relation to the new National Maternity Hospital.

Yesterday Leo Varadkar said once open, the maternity hospital will "absolutely" carry out all procedures allowed by law.

Government to renew effort to purchase site of €800m National Maternity Hospital from St Vincent’s Hospital Group and the Religious Sisters of Charity https://t.co/nNuZur5Llk
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) June 21, 2021

There are ongoing concerns that services like abortions and IVF won't be permitted there, if the hospital is run under a religious ethos.

Roisin Shortall, Co-Leader of the Social Democrats says in its current form, there is no guarantee what services will be provided at the new facility:

The State will engage with St Vincent's Holdings and the Sisters of Charity this week, over the ownership of land at the new National Maternity Hospital.

The Irish Times reports that senior Government sources expect the matter to be resolved soon.

It comes after renewed concern was raised over the ownership and governance of the Dublin 4 site - which could be influenced by its owner’s Catholic ethos.

The CEO of the Rape Crisis Centre is worried people won’t be able to receive a non-judgmental service at the new National Maternity Hospital.

Noeline Blackwell is worried people will be judged.

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