Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to voice my concern about the lack of supports for women in crisis pregnancies, in particular women on low income who need to attend hospital appointments in Dublin and have to travel from Mayo or other places along the western seaboard to attend the national maternity hospital. Some are in financial difficulties and cannot afford to do so. Based on a case that was brought to my attention, it appears they can approach the Department of Employment and Social Protection and they may or may not get help. There does not seem to be any system within the Department of Health to help them.

The case I wish to highlight is that of a young pregnant woman whose baby, sadly, has been diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality. She has had to give up work. She needs to travel to Dublin but has not found any support to do so from the Departments of Employment and Social Protection or Health. This reality must be faced up to when we are providing healthcare for women who are pregnant. This young woman is going to have her baby but she needs help and support to be able to attend her appointments. We spent a lot of time talking about supporting women in crisis pregnancies but if they cannot afford to pay the cost of four or five-hour journey to travel to Dublin and support themselves - some of these women may have other children - then all the conversations we had are a nonsense.

On this issue of serious concern to the women affected, I ask the Leader to approach both the Ministers for Employment and Social Protection and Health to ascertain who is taking responsibility for this area. Perhaps they could come into the House and enlighten us as to what provision and protocols will be put in place to help women so that they will not have to go around begging for money to travel to Dublin for a basic service.