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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Security.

Liz McManus

Question:

127 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the review of security at maternity hospitals carried out by his Department, particularly in view of the snatching of a baby from Erinville Hospital, Cork; the results of any review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24526/00]

In the light of the recent incident at Erinville Hospital, I directed that existing security arrangements at maternity hospitals-units be the subject of immediate review and that each health board area furnish a report outlining arrangements currently in place, including details of alarm systems and any improvements which may be required.

The Deputy will be aware that a pilot infant tagging initiative was approved in October 1998 by my predecessor, Deputy Cowen, in respect of the Dublin maternity hospitals. Capital grants totalling over £400,000 were allocated to the Coombe, National Maternity and Rotunda Hospitals. The system was installed initially at the Coombe Hospital in early 1999 and was subsequently installed in the National Maternity and Rotunda Hospitals in late 1999. I understand from the Eastern Regional Health Authority that the system has been operating satisfactorily since its introduction. I point out that the system was introduced to supplement or improve the hospitals' existing security arrangements.

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