Last week, I raised the issue of varying restrictions in maternity hospitals across the country. After an exchange with the Minister of State and the HSE management for the Cork-Kerry region, I am even more unsure about how the decisions are being made. The Minister stated it is based on an individual hospital and the HSE stated it is based on the region the woman is in. I wonder which is it. The programme for Government commits to excellence in maternal healthcare but at present women in some areas are going through labour alone. It is a geographical lottery and we have no idea why. We cannot allow anyone else to go through this unless it is absolutely necessary. We urgently need a nationwide review of restrictions in maternity hospitals and the decision-making process needs to be transparent. Will the Taoiseach commit to this before more women have to go through this?

I call Deputy Mattie McGrath on the same matter.

I want to raise this issue. It has been hugely traumatic. There is no mention of this in the Government's five-point plan. Pregnant mothers going to hospital is supposed to be a joyous occasions, involving the scans and everything else. All through their pregnancy, in the vast majority of cases, the partners or husbands have not been allowed in.

We have heard of some harrowing cases where, unfortunately, issues and difficulties have occurred with stillbirth and the loss of a baby. It is hugely traumatic for the mothers concerned to be on their own without having a partner, a mother, a sister, a sibling or anybody with them. It is shocking. There must be some compassion in the Government's roadmap for these mothers who find themselves in that situation. It needs to be dealt with.

First, I fully empathise with what the Deputies are saying. Obviously, public health advice has been the key influencer of this situation along with risk management in specific hospitals and locations. However, I take the point that the public health advice in this area should apply nationwide.

Is it regional, hospital by hospital or nationwide at present?

I would instinctively think it should be nationwide but it may be that in different hospitals one has different settings and different risks. In some maternity centres, they may have different practices, etc. I will engage with the acting Chief Medical Officer and HSE on this. It is difficult and traumatic for people. It should be a celebratory moment for many couples. It is a fundamental moment in life.

When people can attend a wedding with 49 other people, they cannot be with their partner.

We cannot have a conversation.

As the Deputy will be aware-----

The Taoiseach's time is up.

-----in the earlier stages of the pandemic there were significant restrictions on people visiting hospitals which was difficult for them.