Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Maternity Services.

Alan Shatter

Question:

64 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has inquired on why Tralee General Hospital did not co-operate in furnishing information for the Crediú Survey on Maternity Services; his views on whether it is desirable that all hospitals participate in these surveys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4875/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I am fully committed to ensuring that patients and others concerned with the delivery of health care services are provided with all necessary information on the services in question. Aside from the widespread voluntary patient information initiatives undertaken by hospitals throughout the country, the Freedom of Information Act provides a statutory framework for the provision of such information. The Freedom of Information Act has applied to health boards since 21 October 1998 and voluntary hospitals since 21 October 1999.

Issues surrounding the participation by Tralee general hospital in the survey of maternity services carried out by Cuidiú, The Irish Childbirth Trust, fall within the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board for the provision of hospital services. I understand that the board is in correspondence with Cuidiú on this matter and I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply directly to the Deputy outlining the detailed position in this regard.