Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Okay, I will be as brief as I can. I do not want to take from Deputy Connolly's time.

As I said, the HIQA report found high levels of compliance overall. It was clear from reading this report that there are weak links in the chain, however. That is why we have a national maternity strategy in place. While there is progress, we can see that certain gaps exist and until those gaps are filled, women and babies will be at risk.

One of the conclusions from the HIQA report stated, "The HSE needs to immediately develop a comprehensive, time-bound and fully costed National Maternity Strategy implementation plan", which to me is the most important point. The fact that we do not have that in place is an issue.

I am really concerned about the time left for my colleague, Deputy Connolly. I will finish with one point about which many colleagues had spoken. We need absolute clarity on the public ownership and operation of the new national maternity hospital. We need a debate in this House with the Minister present in order that we can have a to and fro to deal with this issue. Equally, however, we need to make sure the recommendations within the national maternity strategy are fully implemented.

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