Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Connolly and her colleagues for tabling the motion. I congratulate the Acting Chairman on the birth of another grandchild, which is fantastic for him and his family.

There are 19 maternity hospitals in Ireland, with approximately 150 babies born every day. It is estimated that 25,000 babies were born during Covid, with between ten and 12 born in the maternity hospital in Limerick. The scientifically recommended ratio is one midwife for every 29.5 births but the ratio in Ireland at present is one for every 40 births. This must be addressed. The recent relaxation of restrictions in hospitals is very welcome but it does not go far enough.

My wife and myself are the parents of four boys. We are also the proud grandparents of a child who was born during Covid. We saw first hand what our son and his partner went through because of the Covid-19 restrictions and understand what such restrictions mean for the families waiting at home. A half an hour after the birth of our grandson, Noah, our son was allowed in for half an hour. That is not good enough for either partner. One of the most important events in life is the birth of a child and on coming into the world, he or she should see both parents. Mothers also need support during childbirth.

I want to thank those providing maternity services, particularly midwives and nurses, for everything they have done during Covid. I commend them on the support they provided when the management of certain hospitals did not allow partners to attend.

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