Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. I will bring his concerns to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. I also accept his point on uncertainty, which we cannot have with regard to maternity services. The establishment of maternity networks is a central tenet of the national maternity strategy, being key to progressive development of maternity services in the future. Their establishment across the hospital groups is Government policy and is a key priority for the Minister for Health. The full establishment of maternity networks, not just in Saolta but across all hospital groups, will build on the substantial good work already under way in the development of maternity services and will underpin Government arrangements by providing quality assurance and ensuring equity of access to maternity services for women. The key phrases here are "quality assurance" and "equity of access to maternity services for women".

Any other concerns Deputy Fitzmaurice has will be raised with the Minister for Health.

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