Vol. 526 No. 1
197 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused permission to attend at the birth of his child, which was delivered by caesarean section on 9 November 2000 at Tralee General Hospital; if he will put in place procedures whereby a mother giving birth can be accompanied at all times by a person of her choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26014/00]
The provision of services at Tralee General Hospital is in the first instance the responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I understand it is the policy of the hospital to allow partners and husbands to attend at the birth of their child whenever possible. However, the Deputy will appreciate it is a matter for the clinician in charge to consider each case and to make a decision having regard to all the circumstances.
A working group established in Tralee hospital to examine maternity services has now been reconstituted to focus on this issue. It has been asked to examine all the issues surrounding this matter, including the provision of a dedicated theatre, resources and protocols.
