To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his Department’s work, alongside the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, to repair the water system in the new maternity hospital.

I met recently with interim Chief Executive of the Belfast Trust for an update on their progress in tackling this critical issue.

While I remain concerned with issues which have emerged from this project and frustrated with the delays, I have been given assurances by the Trust that they now have a clearer understanding of how they will resolve this issue.

A recent interim report has set out the current levels of pseudomonas in the pipework and, vitally, has given some indications to the Trust of the next steps they should take in terms of improving the water quality.

The Trust has assured me that they will be working tirelessly to resolve the water safety issues and hope to be in a position by the end of April 2025 to agree a final plan for remedial works and a critical path for the opening of the facility.

The department continues to support the Trust and I have instructed that weekly oversight of progress now takes place from one of my senior officials.

I know many members share my frustration with the progress on this key project, and I can assure you all that I will continue to focus on this issue until the new maternity hospital is fully operational.