Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
381. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of the inpatient mental health support mother and baby unit, as per the model of care for specialist perinatal mental health services; the estimated cost of providing this unit; if a dedicated funding allocation for its development has been agreed; if not, when she expects to announce this allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18167/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have committed to supporting the mental health of women during and after pregnancy.
Given the documented adverse effects on separating mothers from their babies, for the small number of women who require inpatient treatment, the provision of a mother and baby unit (MBU) is recommended in the Model of Care for Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services in Ireland.
The Model of Care identifies it as critical to the overall success of the specialist perinatal mental health services that there is access to a national tertiary inpatient mental health service in the form of a Mother and Baby Unit, and it is included in the Programme for Government as a commitment.
Progressing the MBU is a priority for Minister Butler, and the HSE are currently advancing the necessary feasibility studies to determine the location of the Unit. Work will also be undertaken this year to identify and progress an interim Mother and Baby Unit solution.
As the Estimated cost of the Unit is a service matter, I have referred this part of your question to the HSE for direct response to you.
