A row over who will control the new National Maternity Hospital has intensified.

The management of Holles Street want to maintain their independence, even if they move to Saint Vincent’s Hospital in South Dublin.

The Maternity Hospital has to relocate as its current building in Dublin city is no longer fit for purpose.

The acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar has threatened to pull €150m in funding to St Vincent’s for the relocation if the row is not resolved.