Michael Cahill
Ceist:489. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to address concerns in relation to maternity services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46543/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 June 2026
Ceisteanna (489, 490)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:490. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to examine concerns in relation to maternity care, (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46544/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
This government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services.
The Government introduced the Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC) on the 8th of March 2023.
This contract is a key step in the move towards universal, single-tier healthcare with public hospitals exclusively used for the treatment of public patients and where care is based on medical need, not on the ability to pay.
However, private maternity care is and will remain available in public hospitals via consultants who continue to work on older contracts issued prior to March 2023.
The National Maternity Strategy 2016 -2026 has delivered a new model of care with appropriate care pathways to ensure that mothers, babies, and families get the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place.
Since the launch of the National Maternity Strategy in 2016, significant progress has been made in the development and improvement of public maternity services. €28 million has been invested in new development funding through the National Maternity Strategy, transforming our maternity services for women, infants and families. This investment is improving the infrastructure of our maternity services by providing additional home-from-home birthing suites, upgrades to theatres and wards, as well as additional training and supports for our maternity staff.
Women across the country now have access to a standardised Model of Care, with enhanced access to midwife-led care supported by Directors of Midwifery in every unit and hospital. All women on the Specialised Care Pathway (women who are at higher levels of risk) receive multidisciplinary care led by a named consultant in the public system.
Public hospitals are predominately funded by the taxpayer, and that funding must deliver the same high standard of care to every patient.
This Government will continue to drive improvements across our maternity services for all women, building on the significant progress and investment to date delivered through the National Maternity Strategy.
Question No. 490 answered with Question No. 489.