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

I also congratulate the Acting Chairman on the birth of his granddaughter; it is a happy time.

I sincerely thank my colleague, Deputy Connolly, for bringing forward this motion, which me and all my colleagues in the Independent Group were happy to sign. This motion refers to the national maternity strategy, the recommendations of the Sláintecare report on implementing that strategy and the HIQA report, which monitors the national standards.

In the short time available, I will concentrate on the 2020 HIQA report. It is the most recent and gives us some overview as to how the national maternity strategy is being implemented in individual hospitals and hospital groups. This report also deals with important issues such as governance, overseeing care pathways for women and babies, co-ordination between hospitals, co-ordination between medical professionals, staffing levels, staff training, etc. It is-----

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