Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
222. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the review into maternity services with specific reference to homebirth being unavailable to those who live more than 30 minutes away from their nearest maternity hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3355/24]
View answerAs the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
