Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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735. To ask the Minister for Health the current total annual cost of the maternity and infant care antenatal combined care scheme, including a breakdown of the amount that goes to general practitioners and the amount to hospitals. [18692/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of the expectant mother's choice and a hospital obstetrician.

As this service is operated by the Health Service Executive I have asked them to forward the information requested directly to the Deputy.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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736. To ask the Minister for Health the average number of visits for each woman under the maternity and infant care antenatal combined care scheme. [18693/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of the expectant mother's choice and a hospital obstetrician.

On a first pregnancy the GP provides an initial examination, if possible before 12 weeks and a further five examinations during the pregnancy, which are alternated with visits to the maternity unit/hospital. The schedule of visits may be changed by a GP and/or hospital obstetrician, depending on individual situations. For subsequent pregnancies an expectant mother will have an initial examination and a further six examinations. If an expectant mother has a significant illness, e.g. diabetes or hypertension she may have up to five additional visits to the GP.

Information on the average number of visits for each woman would be provided by the Health Service Executive and I have asked them to reply directly to the deputy.