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There is no longer any need for COVID restrictions at maternity hospitals, according to the Taoiseach.
It comes after protesters gathered at four hospitals calling for partners to be allowed to join pregnant people at appointments, scans and in the early stages of labour.
The HSE has issued guidelines advising hospitals to ease COVID-19 restrictions; however, they remain in place in some areas as each hospital is left to make its own rules.
This afternoon, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that should not be happening.
“There is no need now for these restrictions at all,” he said. “I said that last week in this house.
LMFM By Marc O Driscoll AIMS is calling for partners to be allowed attend all pregnancy-related appointments.
A protest has taken place outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda this afternoon as people call for Covid-19 restrictions affecting expecting couples to be eased.
The Association for Improvements in Maternity Services (AIMS) is calling for partners to be allowed to attend all pre-natal scans and appointments during labour.
Orla Kirby gave birth six months ago and was one of the women who gathered outside the hospital in Drogheda this morning:
However, Ms. Hynes accepts that most restrictions on pregnancy-related appointments have already been lifted at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital: