Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge to the Deputy this is indeed a sensitive issue and this is why the Government treats it with the highest of priorities. I will take this opportunity to congratulate the Deputy on the arrival of his granddaughter, Amy, and I am happy there was a positive outcome. The Deputy is right to put on record the assistance and support of the health services that assisted his granddaughter to come into the world in a preterm situation that now has proven to be successful. I congratulate the Deputy and his family in this regard.

I reiterate that neonatal services and preterm care are a national priority for the Government and this is reflected in the positive mortality reports that have been published. I have already referred to some statistics and the facts are that in the 1980s, 90% of infants who were born at 28 weeks unfortunately did not survive whereas at present, with the current level of services, technology and sciences, as well as the support and care available to preterm births and babies, 90% of those infants born at 28 weeks survive, which is a wonderful achievement. However, this is a highly sensitive matter and I am conscious of the 10% and more of infants who unfortunately do not survive and it is extremely tough for any family or mother and father to find themselves in that situation.

I will pass on the Deputy's comments to the Minister and reassure him that this service and this matter are being treated as a priority.

See this speech in context