asked the Minister for Health the number of counties from which maternity services were completely withdrawn over the last ten years.
52.
Written Answers. - Maternity Services.
51.
Mr. Leonard
Mr. Leonard
asked the Minister for Health the number of general hospitals which had maternity facilities withdrawn over the last 30 years.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
On the question of the withdrawal of maternity services from counties, the straightforward answer to the Deputy's question is that maternity services were not, in fact, withdrawn from any county in the last ten years. In this regard I must make the point that health services are not organised on a county basis but on the basis of health board areas.
With regard to the withdrawal of maternity facilities from general hospitals 15 maternity units have been closed in the last nine years due to the steady decline in the number of births occurring there. Comparable information in relation to the last 30 years is not readily available but if the information is of particular relevance to the Deputy I can arrange to have it obtained.