Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 3

Written Answers - Home Births Policy.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total number of home births for each of the years from 1990 to 1994 and the comparative figures for each of the years from 1980 to 1984; if his attention has been drawn to the growing demand for home births; his Department's policy on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12089/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The data requested are set out as follows:

Year	Total	Year	Total
1980	202	1990	177
1981	210	1991	203
1982	232	1992	203
1983	206	1993	196
1984	182	1994	Not yet available

It is Department of Health policy that, on medical grounds, the delivery of babies should take place in consultant-staffed maternity units. This policy is in line with the recommendations of the Comhairle na nOspidéal report, Development of Hospital Maternity Services, which examined in detail the objectives of health care in relation to maternity services. It is generally accepted that this policy has been responsible for the marked decrease in the level of maternal, perinatal and infant mortality.

I am aware that regardless of departmental policy and professional advice some women will choose a domiciliary birth. If there are no medical contraindications, appropriate provision must be made to cater for their needs. How this may best be achieved is among the issues now being considered in the context of a working party report on the maternity and infant care scheme.