Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We have put forward all of the salient arguments that are known to me. I record my thanks to the various midwives and their representative groups who have spoken and corresponded with me in preparation for Report Stage of the Bill. I hope I have done justice to the arguments of which they have advised me. It is regrettable that we have not been able to reach agreement or have consensus and unanimity on the unacceptability of imposing a statutory requirement on midwives only. To my knowledge, a comparable provision does not apply to any other health profession. Enshrining such a requirement, as the Minister intends to do, does not have any purpose or point given that an alternative is provided, as we have clearly pointed out.

The amendment proposes to remove mandatory insurance from the legislation because midwives do not have access to insurance as of right. This point needs to be grasped and understood.

I appeal to all opinion in the House to recognise that the imposition of a statutory requirement is tantamount to victimisation - that is not too strong a word - of a single profession within the wide health care professions. I find that most objectionable and unacceptable. It does not achieve by any measure the stated goals in terms of protection for women in labour. The record shows unquestionably that midwives give exceptional care and are the first people women in labour trust and wish to be at their side in whatever setting presents. I recommend the amendment and propose to press it.

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