Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I attended a conference on the international day of the midwife in the Coombe Hospital this morning. I congratulate all midwives who work everywhere in all disciplines, 365 days a year, in the community, in midwifery-led units and in nursing homes. I congratulate them on the fine work they are doing, especially in these difficult times. The embargo is having an absolutely detrimental effect on the service and care given to women who have had babies. It is leading to early discharges from hospital and is making follow-up care very difficult. I ask the Leader to think about having a debate in this House on the effect the embargo is having on front-line services. Women who are having babies are most in need of such services. They may need different types of care. Some of them might need more high-dependency care than others. Follow-up care is required for the safe delivery of the children of our nation.

I commiserate with the Ryan family on the passing of Gerry Ryan.