Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The first major point I will make is that public health advice is what dictates and determines the approach within hospitals, and clinical guidance has been uppermost in influencing decisions. We have made representations to the HSE. We have made the point that many Deputies have articulated recently in respect of this issue. We understand the trauma involved for mothers and partners in respect of the experience of giving birth, particularly in very difficult circumstances, when the outcome may not be as anticipated. That can be very traumatic. Any changes in the future will be guided by clinical and public health advice. The Deputy is correct that the situation has improved very significantly within hospitals. Infection among health workers has plummeted as a result of the vaccination programme. That will give us greater confidence in doing things in hospitals into the future.

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