A Waterford Minister of State has told the Dáil that restrictions in maternity hospitals are working.
Currently, the father is only allowed to attend a maternity hospital if his partner is in 'active labour' and the woman must attend all her appointments on her own.
Opposition TDs tabled a motion calling for the restrictions to be lifted. Sinn Fein TD Réana Cronan said it seemed more important for a father to be able to wet the baby's head rather than to see his baby's head.
"The parents I have spoken to know that in prioritising access to pubs over access to the delivery room, the Government is presiding over a farce"
Fianna Fail's Mary Butler responded on behalf of the government and acknowledged the difficulties for expectant mothers and fathers.
"The fact that there have been no Covid-19 maternal deaths in this country and that we have had a low incidence of the disease in pregnant women suggests the current approach is working, even if it is very difficult.
"It is worth remembering also that some of the most vulnerable members of society are cared for in our maternity hospitals, including fragile infants at the very extremes of prematurity.
"We must do all we can to protect these babies, " Minister Butler said.
Minister Butler accepted that there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach and says she understand that no two pregnancies are the same but the visitor restrictions have helped to protect the maternity service.
"I fully acknowledge the wonderful support partners provide during labour. Front-line staff are aware of that and are therefore ensuring restrictions are minimised as far as possible. I assure both Deputies that the restrictions are reviewed frequently and will be lifted as soon as hospitals believe it is safe to do so. I will raise the Deputies' concerns with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and also raise the fact that they have sought a review of the maternity ward restrictions."
She says she looked at the list of 19 maternity hospitals before answering the question.
" In University Hospital Galway, partners are permitted to be with mothers in the labour ward or in the theatre if there is a caesarean section.
"In Mayo University Hospital, partners are permitted to attend with mothers in labour. It varies.
"In University Hospital Waterford, the birthing partner can attend as soon as the mother is in established labour.
"Deputy Cronin said labour can take over 23 hours so I can understand where she is coming from. I will relay the Deputies' concerns to the Minister.
"The restrictions on visits are put in place purely to protect the mother and the baby."
