Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To follow what Senator Colm Burke and other colleagues said regarding maternity services and what direction we are taking with them, I am deeply concerned by what I read in the Irish Examinertoday. The direction we are taking with these services is a real concern for the population. The work rate of the people involved is fantastic. My wife and I had the privilege of using the service in the last few months and I compliment them on what they have achieved. Cork had the battle six or seven years ago of putting three maternity hospitals together. That was done. We put up a beautiful building and it is a beautiful service. It has worked out very well for the Cork region. I believe we must plan ahead for the generation that will require the service. If four hospitals are required and must be provided, we must put the infrastructure in place now. That infrastructure has two elements, the physical structure and the midwives and consultants. The lack of midwives is an issue and it is one I hear voiced daily. It is one of the key issues the Minister must come to the Chamber to discuss. We must plan a generational service for the future so we can provide what is required in a very important service for the women of this State.