Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise this issue. It has been hugely traumatic. There is no mention of this in the Government's five-point plan. Pregnant mothers going hospital is supposed to be a joyous occasions, involving the scans and everything else. All through their pregnancy, in the vast majority of cases, the partners or husbands have not been allowed in.

We have heard of some harrowing cases where, unfortunately, issues and difficulties have occurred with stillbirth and the loss of a baby. It is hugely traumatic for the mothers concerned to be on their own without having a partner, a mother, a sister, a sibling or anybody with them. It is shocking. There must be some compassion in the Government's roadmap for these mothers who find themselves in that situation. It needs to be dealt with.

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