Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Tá áthas orm labhairt ar an rún seo, atá fíorthábhachtach. We must not forget that Ireland and our maternity services are recognised internationally for the level of care given to expectant mothers. It is also important to acknowledge that this results from the hard work and dedication each day of the midwives and nursing staff in our maternity services. The motion refers to the various reports from HIQA and the failings identified. We must also remember that HIQA consistently found good practice in how maternity services detect and respond to obstetric emergencies. It also identified opportunities for improvement to ensure that maternity services remain safe and effective in future. One of the most recent HIQA reports also made it clear that an overall level of professionalism, teamwork and commitment is displayed by the staff providing maternity care in what is a highly pressurised and demanding environment.

Having said that, however, problems persist in how maternity services operate. All we must look at in that regard is the way in which many expectant mothers and their partners and husbands have been treated in respect of the Covid-19 public health restrictions. The restrictions on partners being allowed to attend important scans were cruel and harsh and went too far. I have repeatedly raised this issue since September. Upset constituents and midwives have contacted me in this regard and I ask that this issue be addressed. My understanding of what is happening here is that the HSE seems to be calling the shots and that it has repeatedly ignored the Minister for Health and the Government on this matter. The Minister must now step up to the mark and put an end to what is happening with the HSE. Partners should be allowed to attend important scans.

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