The Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte has said while concerns “continue to circulate” in relation to the potential involvement of the Religious Sisters of Charity in the new National Maternity Hospital, the order will not play any role in the governance or operation of the hospital. Critics say, without evidence, that the congregation will have influence over the hospital.

Ms Rabbitte said there has been further engagement with stakeholders in relation to the draft legal framework for the hospital and “this process will continue as we work towards the finalisation of these legal arrangements”.

She was speaking during a Dáil debate on a motion calling for the compulsory purchase of the site for the hospital at Elm Park in Dublin, which was put forward by Independent TDs Joan Collins and Thomas Pringle, on Thursday.

While the Government has said it will not oppose the motion, it has not changed its position and does not intend to purchase the site.

Instead, it is seeking to conclude a long-term lease – expected to last 299 years – with the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, owners of the site adjacent to St Vincent’s hospital in Dublin 4.