John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

I concur with my colleague, Deputy Ó Caoláin. The association said, as currently worded, the Bill is not the best arrangement for mother and midwife. It also pointed out how the sections in question do not take account of their members' professionalism, the nature of their business and best practice. Additionally, these sections do not allow for the potential removal of insurance due to factors beyond their members' control. This means they are not treated like other allied medical professionals but could actually be criminalised by the provision.

All the midwives I spoke to empathically told me they have no problem with being insured but do have concerns over the wording of the Bill. I am sure this difficulty was spelled out in detailed correspondence to the Minister. I must take on board their deep unhappiness with these aspects of the Bill. I do not want to vote against this legislation because of the huge effort made by the Minister to introduce it. However, based on my correspondence with the Community Midwives Association, I must acknowledge their unhappiness with certain provisions.

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