CLARITY NEEDED ON NATIONAL MATERNITY HOSPITAL STATUS
Labour’s Health Spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has said that Minister Simon Harris should consider bringing in legislation, if necessary, to initiate a compulsory purchase order for the St. Vincent’s Hospital site, if the deal to build the new National Maternity Hospital does not go ahead.
It’s after the Board of the St. Vincent’s Group said in a statement this evening that the status of the project would be reviewed in the wake of recent controversy.
Labour Party members will debate an emergency motion on the matter at the party’s National Conference in Wexford tomorrow morning.
Speaking from Wexford, Deputy Kelly said:
“I have said from the outset that a hospital built and paid for by the State must remain in public ownership. We have yet to see the details of this deal, which should be published.
“However, it is not clear from the statement of the Board of the St. Vincent’s Hospital Group this evening, whether that agreement is now in jeopardy.
“If the Group does intend to pull out of the project, the Minister for Health needs to step up to the plate and consider bringing in legislation, if necessary, to initiate a compulsory purchase order for the site, to ensure this vital hospital is built- and remains in state ownership.”