The decision to overturn planning permission for a new critical care wing at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital is deeply disappointing. The staff there provide exceptional care to women and babies. However, the building is failing them. The Rotunda is the busiest maternity hospital in Ireland and one of the busiest in Europe. Yet, vulnerable premature babies are being treated in facilities that are simply not fit for purpose and healthcare workers tell us that space constraints are already impacting on care. We all know we have a shameful history in this country on women’s healthcare. The legacy of the draconian eighth amendment, the bans on contraception and the barbaric practice of symphysiotomy all cast a shadow over our recent memories. The fight for better healthcare is not over for women, however. Even since 2018, women still face patronising delays and unnecessary restrictions when accessing abortion services. Now, Victorian infrastructure and, indeed, Georgian architecture, it seems, are impeding the provision of decent maternity care. I respect An Coimisiún Pleanála, of course, but we need to build critical healthcare capacity. It is welcome that the Dublin Civic Trust has said it will not go to court if a judicial review is sought against the decision. However, it is really disappointing and frustrating for all those working in and relying on the Rotunda that so-called heritage concerns have outweighed the urgent need for decent healthcare facilities. In its decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála referenced a decade-old proposal to move the Rotunda to Connolly hospital, a plan that has not proceeded to date and, sensibly, as we know, the Rotunda has instead built clinical links with the Mater. As recently as last year, however, the Government was continuing to suggest that the move could still go ahead. It was entirely foreseeable that unless Government clearly ruled out relocation plans, such plans could be used as a stick to beat maternity care with in the planning process. That is the reality, no matter how much the Minister for Health tried to downplay it on the radio this morning. Therefore, can the Taoiseach say with clarity if, in fact, the Government has abandoned plans to move the Rotunda? As Deputy Sherlock has asked, if that is the case, why did the Minister for Health not spend €50 to let An Coimisiún Pleanála know that as part of the appeal in the planning process? I remind the Taoiseach that the Government introduced the very planning procedures now blocking this development. The Minister spent the interview this morning on RTÉ lamenting a planning process the Government helped to create. It speaks to a long-standing lack of vision and lack of ambition for critical infrastructure. The Government is legislating around planning constraints for gas reserves and airport capacity because of ineffective planning laws. Now, a €100 million investment in neonatal care is stalled. As a Government, we are cash rich but as a people, we know we are asset poor. Creaking infrastructure is causing suffering. It is causing flaws and inadequacies in care and the Government carries the responsibility for closing the gaps. It is not good enough to give out about An Taisce or Dublin Civic Trust or anyone else on the radio, especially not with this continued equivocation. The Government is not a bystander. Its Ministers are not bystanders. What is going to happen now with the Rotunda? What will the Taoiseach do to ensure women and babies get the medical care they deserve?
Sentiment score: -0.01
Oh, no.
Sentiment score: -0.30
I listened carefully to the Taoiseach's response and it is more of the same. It is Government as bystander and that is not good enough. It is not good enough for the Taoiseach or for the health Minister to say how disappointed they are with a decision of an entity created by the Government. It is simply not good enough either for the Taoiseach or the health Minister-----
Sentiment score: -0.27
You are critical of planning decisions.
Sentiment score: -0.32
Sorry, I did not interrupt you.
Sentiment score: 0.19
As I have said, and I hope I get more time, it is not good enough for the Taoiseach to govern as a bystander because he is in government and, indeed, he was in the previous Government. The planning process was established by Government. It is now up to the Government to do something about this decision. What I did not hear from the Taoiseach was any clarity about the long-term plans for the Rotunda. An Coimisiún Pleanála referred to a prospective move of the Rotunda. That has not been ruled out by either the Taoiseach or the health Minister. Women and their families deserve clarity on what the plan for the Rotunda is. Is it going to stay on site? The Taoiseach referred to Holles Street hospital. Holles Street hospital has not moved yet either. We have seen very little progress on that. I have stood in the Rotunda and met the staff. I have heard from them their extreme frustration at the lack of space and the constraints in the facilities. Anyone who has been in there as a patient or who has visited people will know exactly the constraints the Rotunda is under. It is up to the Taoiseach to do something about it. He is in government and he is not a bystander.
Sentiment score: 0.04
It is not a soundbite.
Sentiment score: 0.00
Proposed by the Government.
Sentiment score: 0.00
That is not what we are saying.
Sentiment score: 0.00
Where is the clarity?
Sentiment score: 0.40