The Master of the National Maternity Hospital says he believes there is clarity over the ownership and governance.
Two members of the HSE board have now raised concern about the proposed new hospital at the St. Vincent's site in Dublin.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is due before the Oireachtas Health Committee later to answer questions about the development, specifically about the leasing of the land on which the hospital is to be built.
The current Master of the NMH at Holles St. - Shane Higgins - says long leases have worked well elsewhere and he believes there is absolute separation between church and state when it comes to the new hospital.
"There are many other examples of leasehold in this state other hospitals, the Mansion House, the National Maternity Hospital.
It's absolutely accepted that a 299 year lease conveys effective ownership or freehold equivalent.
"Without drilling down to the detail I think it's very easy to explain it's a voluntary hospital co located with an adult acute facility providing 21st century health care to women who deserve it."
