Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Home Births.

John Gormley

Question:

326 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the figures produced in 1998 by the Home Birth Association of Ireland which show that his Department could save up to £10 million per annum in direct costs. [7819/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

It is Department policy that, on medical grounds, the delivery of babies should take place in consultant staffed maternity units. This policy is in line with the recommendations of the Comhairle na nOspidéal report, Development of Hospital Maternity Services, which examined in detail the objectives of health care in relation to maternity services.

The report of the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme Review Group, which was circulated in April 1997, gave a strong endorsement to Department policy on this issue. However, the report also recognised that one of the main reasons women opt to give birth at home is their desire for a positive experience in friendly, familiar surroundings where they retain full control. The health boards' chief executive officers established an expert group to consider a number of approaches suggested by the review group in relation to domiciliary births and to make recommendations on long-term policy and on the procedures and protocols which may be necessary. Funding has been provided in 1999 for the piloting of a number of approaches suggested.

It is generally accepted that current Department policy has contributed to the marked decrease in the level of maternal, perinatal and infant mortality. At present Ireland's maternal mortality rates are amongst the best in the world, reflecting the excellent ante-natal and obstetric services available in this country. While arrangements must be made for those who wish to give birth at home, the safety and welfare of both mother and infant must at all times take priority.

John Gormley

Question:

327 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish, Women & Birth: The National Study of Intentional Home Births in Ireland, which was completed in 1992. [7820/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

This report was conducted under the aegis of the Coombe Women's Hospital and funded by the Department of Health. The study relates to the five year period 1981-5 and, as the Deputy states, was completed in 1992. In view of the time which elapsed between the commencement of the study and its completion it was decided not to publish the report.

The report was, however, made available to the Maternity and Infant Care Review Group which considered, inter alia, the question of domiciliary births. In its report, which was circulated in 1997, the review group made recommendations in relation to domiciliary births. Funding has been provided in 1999 for the piloting of a number of the approaches suggested.