Enda Kenny backs call for ‘breathing space’ to resolve maternity hospital crisis

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has supported Health Minister Simon Harris in his call for “breathing space” to resolve the new national maternity hospital crisis, saying talks are needed to put in place a “legally waterproof situation”.

Mr Kenny said the resignation of Dr Peter Boylan from the Holles Street board over his criticism of the facility’s location at a Sisters of Charity site was “his own decision” and that the hospital will provide “world class facilities”.

In his first public comments on the crisis, Mr Kenny said Mr Harris is correct to seek a month-long period to hold behind-closed-doors talks with all of the groups involved.