Micheal vows new maternity hospital will adhere to law
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin said the phrase “legally permissible” is “very clear” that any lawful procedure has to be provided at the new National Maternity Hospital.
Controversy about the ownership and governance of NMH has raged since Health Minister Stephen Donnelly’s memo to Cabinet was stalled to allow for further scrutiny.
Speaking in Sallins, Co Kildare, Mr Martin said: “’Lawfully permissible’ is very clear – anything that’s legal in this country has to be provided at the new hospital, and is currently provided at Holles Street.
“The guarantees are cast iron in respect of all legally permissible services at the hospital. The constitution of the new hospital is very strong in terms of all services being made available.
“Above all, the clinicians in the hospital I listen to a lot. Many women involved in maternity, obstetrics and midwifery are unanimous that this hospital must go ahead in the interest of the health of the women in the country.”
The comments come ahead of a crunch meeting of the Cabinet next week, at which the Government is currently expected to approve plans for the new National Maternity Hospital.
Giving her support, the Green Party Culture Minister Catherine Martin said: “During this necessary extended two-week period, I sought answers and assurances in correspondence from my Cabinet colleague, the NMH, the HSE as well as St Vincent’s Healthcare Group.
“I am satisfied that following assurances received this has resulted in greater transparency around this project.”
Alice Murphy, the hospital’s legal advisor, said some concerns stemmed from a misunderstanding of company and charity law.
She said: “Just because one is located in a physical premises does not magically or without any legal mechanism, generate a control or controlling influence.
“There’s a misunderstanding of company law, that each company is governed by its constitution.”