Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I can only hope that the issue will be addressed in a positive manner. We are all wondering what sort of scheme the Government can come up with and how it can save so much money yet still provide adequate care. Perhaps there are some surprises for us. It will be interesting when we see it.

I note that the HSE national director of quality and patient safety, Dr. Philip Crowley, has said that it is well recognised that "if you have adequate staffing levels in terms of midwives and consultants we can provide a more consultant-led service" but that we do not have the numbers to do so currently. The OECD report, to which we referred, rather optimistically states "countries can make further gains in patient safety, thereby reducing costs and health burdens associated with adverse events". However, health spending continues to fall in Ireland and the reduction here was the second most dramatic of all countries in Europe since the economic crisis started. Only Greece has reduced its spending on health more than Ireland. I will not prejudge what the Government does but I hope maternity care is considered in a favourable manner by the Government.

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