Midwifery Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Questions (719)

Clare Daly

Question:

719. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the collective experience of the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director regarding home births; the evidence of continuing professional development, specifically in respect of home birth; the contemporaneous experience of the assistant nursing officer in his Department on working with evidence-based midwifery care; if this structure of Health Service Executive supervisory midwifery officers and departmental advisers is fit for purpose to develop a safe evidence-based maternity service for women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41632/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have referred the Deputies' query in relation to the Office for Nursing and Midwifery Services to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

In regards to the second issue raised in your question, the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer in question has in excess of 20 years experience in maternal and child health care. On the basis of her expertise and qualifications she was appointed to the post of Deputy Chief Nursing Officer with responsibility for Women's Health, Child Health and Welfare and Primary Care Services.

I am satisfied that the structures within the HSE and my department, for the development of maternity services, are appropriate and fit for purpose.

Question No. 720 answered with Question No. 612.

Question No. 721 answered with Question No. 591.