Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A number of my questions have already been asked. When Dr. Ní Bhuinneáin responds, will she address the comments of Senator Colm Burke? They are relevant in the west.

Mr. Behan stated that the IFPA catered for 5,000 women annually and that it had encountered two cases of attempted suicide in a three-year period. When Professor Veronica O'Keane presented earlier today, she made the point that the level of threatened suicide and suicidal intent and ideation encountered by front-line services was far higher than was encountered by perinatal consultants, as the former met many of the clients in question. The IFPA sees many women and the figures it has provided seem to tie in with those of the perinatal consultants, not those provided by Professor O'Keane. Will the witnesses clarify this point?

To clarify, is it Professor McAuliffe's opinion that no special provision should be made for emergencies? I presume this was only meant in the context of the expert group report and that she is actually seeking special provision for emergencies and that the current procedures would be maintained, would not fall under the terms of new legislation and would not require a second consultant for approval. Will she clarify whether this is the case?

My final question is for Professor McAuliffe and Dr. Ní Bhuinneáin. There are 120 obstetrics and gynaecological consultants. Are the witnesses satisfied that there is an adequate geographic spread of those consultants to ensure that existing maternity facilities can provide the services in question and make decisions in the difficult situations that may arise?