Vol. 447 No. 11
96 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to regularise payments to couples who opt for a home birth instead of delivery in a hospital in view of the fact that at present £60 appears to be the sum the Eastern Health Board allows towards expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1286/95]
Limerick East): The current fee payable to midwives who provide domiciliary care under the maternity and infant care scheme is £59.57.
However, where a woman enters into an arrangement with a private registered midwife, the health board may make an additional contribution towards the costs involved.
The whole question of domiciliary births is currently being considered in the context of a working party report on the maternity and infant care scheme and I will be giving consideration to the recommendations of this review when it comes to hand.
