Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
488. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the memorandum of understanding between midwives attending home births and the Health Service Executive sufficiently safeguards a woman's right to give birth how and when she wishes by the care provider of her choice; and, if not, his plans, if any, to revise it. [13648/13]
View answerCurrently in Ireland there is a National Domiciliary Midwifery service available to eligible expectant mothers who wish to avail of a home birth service under the care of a self employed community midwife (SECM). This service is provided by the SECM on behalf of the Health Service Executive who signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Health Services Executive (HSE). As the HSE has responsibility for this matter it has been referred to them for direct reply to the Deputy.
