Vol. 397 No. 4
68 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health, having regard to recent events, if he is satisfied with the security measures being taken in the country's maternity hospitals, in order to prevent the recurrence of recent happenings and to allay the fears to mothers of newborn babies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of security measures is the responsibility of the maternity hospitals and the health boards in the first instance. Recent events have undoubtedly hightened awareness of the need for vigilance among the staff of maternity units but, in general, I feel that the level of security at these units is reasonable in the circumstances. I would also like to assure the Deputy that the Department will be keeping in touch with the agencies concerned in relation to this issue.
