Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

There is not much scope for any new points after Deputy Ó Caoláin's contribution. I support the amendment. The key point is if the scenarios outlined by Deputy Ó Caoláin are true and I believe them to be true, then we have to take serious regard of this amendment. It is a very practical amendment and it will not do anybody any harm. There could be no reason not to support it and the only outcome is a positive one for women and their children, for the midwives and for society as a whole. Maternity services here are in crisis and nobody could argue otherwise. This situation has an impact on the safety of women and children and an impact on the professions. We have a responsibility to tease out the best solution to that problem in the interests of everybody. Best international practice supports a very proactive approach to community-based care provided by midwives for all of the reasons suggested. It is more cost-effective and is better all around.

The points made by other speakers need to be re-emphasised. The method of giving birth has been established as a choice for women, a right to choose the circumstances in which they give birth to their children. In passing this legislation, considering all of the problems highlighted by Deputy Ó Caoláin, we are denying that right and undermining it. We are conflicting with the rights already established by Europe. The points have been well made that if this amendment is not passed, the Bill could succeed in criminalising people who are trying to do their job and who are trying to use their professional expertise. This would be a crazy policy. Mandatory insurance has to be dropped. It belongs in service contracts and any concerns can be well addressed in that regard but to include it in this section is to discriminate against midwives. It diminishes the profession and will have a seriously negative impact on the community, particularly in rural areas. It is exceptionally serious. I do not see any reason this amendment cannot be accepted.

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