National maternity strategy
Deputy Connolly called for full implementation of the national maternity strategy, citing HIQA’s concerns about delay. The Minister said full funding had been provided this year, progress had been made, and he would seek a formal update.
Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Before Covid, on 27 January 2016, the first ever national maternity strategy was launched with great fanfare and, indeed, on the pain and suffering of mothers and children. Four years later, on 12 February 2020, still before Covid, HIQA published its report. The report highlighted HIQA's concern at the overall level of progress in the implementation of the strategy. Fast forward to a motion in my name, on 2 June this year, supported entirely by every part in the Dáil and all the Independents, calling, among other things, for the immediate implementation of the plan and to produce a costed implementation plan as a matter of urgency. Can the Minister update me on the status of that urgent plan?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Connolly for raising the national maternity strategy. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, was in a position to provide full funding for the plan in the current year. Very significant progress has been made in its implementation but we certainly acknowledge that more needs to be done. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy formally with an update.