Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

A Programme for a Partnership Government commits to implementing the national maternity strategy. Worryingly, media reports from Monday and yesterday reported that although progress has been made, it is nowhere near what was promised. There are serious concerns about the pace of reform in our maternity services and the inadequate level of resources. Since 2011 maternity services in the State have been marred by investigations of maternal and child mortality in many of our hospitals. In the west, two senior experts in midwifery work who were recruited to improve maternity services after the death of Savita Halappanavar have resigned only two years after taking up their jobs.

Some of the experts involved have said four new adequately staffed and fully resourced maternity hospitals are needed to address the growing level of risk associated with giving birth in our hospitals. Next Friday marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar in University Hospital Galway. Some four years on from this tragedy, there are still major concerns. In light of these developments, will the Government honour its commitments in A Programme for a Partnership Government in respect of funding and implementing the national maternity strategy?

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