Vol. 491 No. 6
178 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of non-nationals that gave birth in maternity hospitals here for each of the years from 1995 to date; the implications if any, arising from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/98]
Official data on the nationality of mothers presenting in maternity hospitals is not routinely collected by the hospitals concerned. However, I have been made aware by the hospitals that an increasing number of non-nationals are presenting at the three Dublin maternity hospitals for service. For example, at the Coombe Hospital, a total of 51 non-EU nationals were booked for ante-natal care in 1997 with a further 17 booked for the first quarter of 1998. This figure is in respect of those who have booked for ante-natal care and does not include patients who present but have not booked. The other Dublin maternity hospitals have also indicated that significant numbers of non-nationals are presenting for service.
My Department is working with the maternity hospitals to quantify the volume of activity and costs associated with this group. I will include this matter in forthcoming discussions on the financial estimates for the health services for 1999 and subsequent years.
