asked the Minister for Health in view of the statement made by the Master of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1 that due to Government cutbacks (1) the hospital had been compromising on the care of the least well off members of the community (2) outlying ante-natal clinics with parentcraft and physiotherapy classes have ceased and (3) routine six-week post-natal checks for babies and hospital family planning service have also been stopped; and the plans, if any, he has to rectify this situation.
Written Answers. - Health Cuts.
242.
I would like to reassure the public that the financial allocation to the Rotunda Hospital is sufficient to provide a satisfactory level of maternity care. The allocation to the hospital compares favourably with those of the other maternity hospitals in Dublin. It is primarily a matter for the hospital to determine its priorities in relation to the provision of services. This has indeed been accepted by the Master of the hospital in discussions with my Department, subsequent to the making of his statement.
All mothers are advised to avail themselves of the routine six-week post-natal service provided by their general practitioners under the maternity and infant care scheme. This scheme is available free of charge to women with eligibility for hospital services. Approximately 80 per cent of women are covered by the scheme. This is the arrangement which exists throughout the country.