Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for Health for his announcement yesterday of a proposed €150 million investment for the new maternity hospital. Last week in the course of the hearings over the three days contributors raised the lack of support that had been given to the maternity services in recent years and the need for further investment in that area.

I very much welcome the Minister's decision to react and respond to the issue. It is time for a debate, as was referred to last week. We have announced a €150 million investment and it is time to examine the overall picture of maternity services across the country. A more planned, rather than piecemeal, approach should be taken. I look forward to debating the issue and the Minister outlining the five year, ten year and 15 year plan for maternity services. That would be a welcome debate to have in the House.