James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if arrangements are being made to address the concerns of independent midwives regarding professional indemnity cover; if so, the measures being taken to ensure continuity of cover and independent midwife services in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11805/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the concerns of independent midwives in relation to indemnity insurance. The Irish Nurses Organisation provides a certain level of insurance cover to independent midwives who are members of the organisation. The INO has confirmed that this cover will be provided until the end of September.

I support choice for women in childbirth. The option of domiciliary births must only be provided in a safe and secure manner. My officials are working with the HSE to put in place a robust national clinical governance framework in order to ensure that the practice of independent midwives is brought into close working relationships with maternity services currently delivered by the HSE and the voluntary maternity hospitals. Subject to this being achieved it would then be the intention to bring the independent midwives within the scope of the Clinical Indemnity Scheme by means of extending the HSE cover under the scheme.