Vol. 536 No. 5
111 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to figures produced by the National Maternity Hospital showing that new-born mortality among asylum seekers was much higher than for the general population; if he has satisfied himself that health arrangements are adequate to meet the needs of asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14812/01]
Services for eligible patients at the National Maternity Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
I have asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised and to respond directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
On the broader issue of maternity services for non-nationals, I understand the Eastern Regional Health Authority has scheduled an evaluation of maternity services for ethnic minorities this year. The aim of this evaluation will be: to identify the level of maternity service utilisation by non-nationals; to identify the prevalence of adverse outcomes of those non-nationals compared to Irish nationals; to identify pathways to care for non-nationals using maternity services.
It is intended that such an evaluation will highlight the need for service developments that encourage the uptake of maternity services at appropriate prenatal periods, and associated health services post-natally, and identify specialised service developments to reduce the risk of infant mortality amongst ethnic minorities.
