Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1139. To ask the Minister for Health his views with regard to home birth services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55096/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the issue of the HSE's National Homebirth Service, as soon as possible.

In relation to investment in maternity services, including community based midwifery services, it is important to note that, under Budgets 2021 and 2022, almost €16m in new development funding was provided for maternity services. This significant level of investment is ensuring the continued implementation of the National Maternity Strategy and the ongoing roll out of the Strategy’s new model of maternity care. 

The investment in 2021/22 is providing for additional WTEs into maternity services, covering a variety of disciplines, including, obstetrics, neonatology, endocrinology, anaesthetics, dietetics, midwifery, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. It is improving access to specialist and allied health services in the maternity care system, as well as further developing community-based midwifery services. It is also improving the infrastructure of our maternity services by providing additional home-from-home birthing suites, upgrades to theatres and wards, as well as providing additional training and supports for maternity staff.