Sir, - The report that our maternity hospitals are in crisis and might have to turn away expectant mothers (The Irish Times, August 4th) merits discussion.
It is stated that up to 20 per cent of the beds in the Rotunda and other maternity hospitals are now occupied by non-nationals and asylum-seekers, many of whom arrive in labour direct from the boat or plane.
The present system is that any child born in Ireland qualifies automatically for Irish citizenship and the parents and other family members are then allowed to remain in Ireland, irrespective of their rights or status as asylum-seekers. They are given accommodation, welfare payments, medical cards, etc., all at State expense.
Ireland is the only EU country which operates such an extraordinary system and it is not surprising that asylum-seekers and would-be immigrants take full advantage of it. The Minister for Justice should explain why we have such a daft system which, if not changed, will cause serious problems in our hospitals. - Yours, etc.,
P. Leonard, Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.