Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late. I compliment our maternity services in general. As Deputy Catherine Byrne has said, the whole system from when a pregnant woman attends her first appointment to the delivery of the baby is excellent. The care that is given in maternity hospitals by midwives, obstetricians, gynaecologists and others is outstanding. As outlined in the presentation, half of all babies born are born in Dublin, but I want to praise the services in the west and north west.

It is very important that the obstetricians and gynaecologists have the expertise that is needed in the case of rare diseases. I am speaking for myself because when I was pregnant I got acute fatty liver disease, which is a very rare disease. I know I am extremely lucky to be here, which is because I was looked after very well by one of our top gynaecologists, Meabh Ní Bhuinneain, who is completely dedicated to her job. She is always furthering her career and is deeply interested in maternity services. Her registrar, who had worked in many big hospitals - I think, in New Zealand or Australia - had seen the disease previously. While I know complications in pregnancy are rare, dealing with them appropriately is important.

Sligo General Hospital and Mayo General Hospital have two outstanding maternity units. As a woman and a mother, I am very proud to have been looked after so well in the west.