Health minister Simon Harris has paid tribute to the Religious Sisters of Charity after the Vatican  approved the transfer of their shareholding in St Vincent’s Healthcare Group.

In what he described as “an extraordinary contribution” to gift lands conservatively valued at €200m for the benefit of the Irish public, the Minister thanked the Sisters for what he called their tireless work down through the years to provide healthcare to those in need.

Important role

He said:“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sisters for the very important role they have played in the provision of healthcare services to the people of Ireland over many years.

"Since St Vincent’s Hospital first opened on St Stephen’s Green in 1835 with 12 patients, the Sisters have overseen the care of many millions of people. St Vincent’s University Hospital on Elm Park is now an academic teaching hospital of international renown and stands testament to the Sisters.

"Today’s announcement by the Sisters will remove any remaining concerns that a religious influence might be brought to bear on the governance of the new National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park.

Legal framework

"The announcement will also pave the way for the finalisation of the legal framework which will protect the State’s investment in the new hospital and ensure that the new National Maternity Hospital will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services."