Every week, I raise the issue of partners and husbands of pregnant women in maternity services, and I will continue to do so until it is resolved. Husbands and partners can go to Penneys this week, or buy clothes for their children through click and collect services. They can buy equipment and get their hair cut but they cannot attend maternity services. The Taoiseach, the Chief Medical Officer and the chief executive of the HSE have said that is wrong. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, said yesterday that there was no good reason for maternity hospitals to restrict visits from partners. Who is in charge? I often hear the Taoiseach say that clinical decisions override everything else, and I say it myself at times, but this is barbaric and wrong. Linda Kelly from Cork said that after she gave birth it was like "being released from prison". She did not say that to be dramatic, because I know her. Last week, I raised the case of Gary Toohey, who stood in a car park looking up at his partner about to give birth. When will we have consistency across the board in all maternity services, with partners and husbands being allowed in at critical moments, as well as for the birth?

I agree 100% that there is no need for these restrictions now at all. I said that last week in this House. The Chief Medical Officer has said that, given the success of the vaccination programme, particularly within healthcare settings, the suppression of the virus among front-line healthcare workers and the high level of vaccination across the country, women's partners should be with them, with proper precautions.

Then why is it not happening?

I will engage again with the HSE.

Who is in charge?

I have already spoken to the CEO of the HSE about telling the national clinical directors and clinical directors across all hospitals to facilitate such access.