I thank the Tánaiste for his reply to Deputy Duncan Smith earlier on the maternity question. He mentioned nightclubs, and of course tonight 450 people will be able to go to the Button Factory nightclub. They will have to show proof of vaccination and do an antigen test. There will be CO2 monitoring and good ventilation but no social distancing. Maybe there will be a pregnant lady there with her partner. I hope they have a good time, especially if it is their first baby. They can go to the Button Factory tonight but it they go to a maternity hospital tomorrow they will not necessarily know whether they can be together if the woman is in labour or if there is a miscarriage. I received a letter from the HSE earlier this week, which states nominated support partners do not need proof of vaccination and do not need to do antigen testing. We have 92% of people vaccinated and I assure the Tánaiste women and their partners would much rather just show proof of vaccination and be able to be together, as they will be able to do tonight in the Button Factory. This must be resolved. It cannot go on any longer. I am aware the Tánaiste has stated his support but I would be obliged if he would do so again.

I thank the Deputy and absolutely agree with her sentiments. On 22 October, we are going to remove almost all legal restrictions that were introduced as a consequence of the pandemic. No social distancing will be required. Hospitality venues will be able to return to the capacity they had pre-pandemic. People will be able to order a drink at a bar. In that context, it is hard to justify the continuing restrictions on partners attending hospitals with their pregnant partners. Again, I share the frustration. We as a Government do not want to overrule doctors and nurses or take away their autonomy to make decisions they have to make at local level in a hospital, particularly if there is an outbreak or a cluster. However, that should be exceptional and it seems to be more than exceptional at this stage. I share the Deputy's frustration and I will certainly raise it with the CMO and the Minister for Health again.