Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has been accused of “letting down the women of Ireland” as hundreds gathered outside the Dáil over ongoing restrictions on partner visits in maternity wards.
Pregnant women, new mothers and families joined the #MarchforMaternity, organised by Linda Kelly of the Better Maternity Care campaign.
Ms Kelly said the restrictions were understandable in the early days of the pandemic but questioned how they can remain in place when we are weeks away from almost every other restriction in society being lifted.
She said the group wrote to Minister Donnelly a number of weeks ago asking him to intervene but have yet to receive a response.
She told the crowd: “We told him this was urgent, it needed to be addressed and we needed his support.
“We’re still waiting on a response. Perhaps he will come out today when he sees the crowd that is gathered there but to be honest at the moment, his silence is deafening and he is letting the women of this country down.”
Actress Amy De Bhrun, who starred in BBC’s Line Of Duty, joined the protest just two weeks after giving birth.
She said: “No one wants to be here today.
“I’d certainly like to be sitting in a warm, dry cafe with my husband, my two-year-old daughter and my two-week-old son.
“But how can I, when I know that across Ireland so many other women’s needs for maternity care are not being met.”
Minister Donnelly called for restrictions to be lifted at the 19 maternity units around the country as far back as May.
But some units still have limits on partners visiting and their ability to accompany their pregnant partner to all their appointments.
A 10ft scroll with the names and stories of women who faced their pregnancies alone due to the restrictions was presented to the members of the Irish Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called for hospitals to lift all remaining restrictions but there is discretion for maternity units to decide whether there is a Covid-19 risk.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Sarah Carroll who is expecting her first baby in two months said she felt the need to come to the march today as she is dreading the thoughts of not having her partner with her at all times.
Her partner, Ronan Mac Raois said “shame on Minister Donnelly” with the Kilkenny couple holding a sign which read: “Push Minister Donnelly, Push!”
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Irish Mirror that “real damage and real hurt” has been caused by these ongoing restrictions.
She said she was “struck by the stories that we heard, it’s pretty gut wrenching stuff.”
Ms McDonald said she has already suggested to the Taoiseach that he should call in all the Masters and CEOs of maternity units and say to them “get your act together, this isn’t good enough.”
