To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has guidelines requiring midwives to have a driving licence upon appointment.

An effective midwifery service is vitally important to delivering safe, quality and equitable care to women, babies and families. My Department is commited to improving health and social care outcomes for the population of Northern Ireland. This is underpinned by the Chief Nursing Officer’s ‘Shaping Our Future’ vision, launched in May last year, which focuses on sustainability, recruitment, retention and the value of both midwives and nurses.

My Department does not employ practising midwives. I am advised by HSC Trusts, as employers, that driving licences are necessary for rotational or community midwives. Any post-specific guidelines or requirements of employment would be stated in recruitment advertisements and job specifications issued by Trusts.