Refugee groups deny baby boom claims

REFUGEE and asylum groups have slammed claims that increasing births to non-nationals are putting the country’s maternity service under severe strain and that a new unit is needed to cope with demand.

And there are also claims that women are flying from Moscow in particular very late in their pregnancy some at up to 40 weeks to have their babies here. Flying is not recommended after the 32nd week of pregnancy.

The Irish College of General Practitioners says hospitals will always do what they can to try to get more funds. But its advocate for practice in a multi-cultural society, Dr Philip Crowley, said the service as a whole needs to be improved.