Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 March 2005
149 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has a responsibility to provide maternity services to all women here who need them; and the provision which is made for a woman who cannot reach a maternity hospital in time due to distance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9610/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for maternity services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the national hospitals office at the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
