asked the Minister for Health the savings accrued to the Dublin maternity hospitals as a result of closing the ante-natal clinics in Finglas, Ballymun and other outlying areas; if this has resulted in delays in women presenting themselves for ante-natal care and in less regular check-ups; and his views on this closure of a community-based service where mothers themselves had become involved in follow-up services such as mother and toddler groups which resulted in less isolation, post-natal depression and hence surely justified their continuance on economic grounds.
Written Answers. - Closure of Ante-natal Clinics.
118.
The Rotunda and the Coombe Lying-in Hospitals no longer provide ante-natal clinics in Finglas, Ballymun and other areas. The staff associated with the out-lying ante-natal clinics are now re-deployed full-time in these hospitals.
As the Deputy will be aware there has been no curtailment of the maternity and infant care scheme which provides for ante-natal care and post-natal check ups on a shared basis between general practitioners and the maternity hospitals at no cost to the majority of women. I am not aware of any delays in women presenting for ante-natal care or post-natal check-ups. My Department is monitoring the situation.
I would be concerned if the cessation of the out-lying clinics increased the isolation of women in the manner suggested. As the Deputy may be aware, the Eastern Health Board is involved in a pilot programme of child development for young, first-time mothers in Finglas and Tallaght. It is hoped to expand the programme into other areas shortly.