The Coombe Hospital operated an antenatal clinic outside of Naas General Hospital before it closed at the start of Covid-19. This was a godsend for mothers-to-be from north Kildare and beyond. I have been in touch with the HSE, which says it might open it in the wider midlands area. It worked for people in Naas. The people in north Kildare believe, as I do, that if it ain't broke don't fix it. If we are to live with Covid, as the Tánaiste has said, it means making it up to our women who lost out hugely in previous waves, with many of the partners banished during antenatal visits and with many women left to labour alone. One thing is for certain: we will still be having babies. How will the Government make it up to women and guarantee that the Coombe antenatal clinic will reopen in Naas General Hospital?

I acknowledge Deputy's Cronin's comments on the service. The midwifery-led service from the Coombe Hospital has been a huge success. I know it was valued greatly locally. We are in the middle of a very significant expansion of maternity services through the 2016 national maternity strategy. I will seek an update from the Department and the HSE about the ongoing provision of community-based care, which does form an essential part of the agreed new model of maternity care.