Rotunda Hospital, Dublin: Under a policy introduced three years ago, fathers or an individual chosen by the mother are allowed visit at any time of day, seven days a week.
The same visiting rights apply to her children, but other visitors are restricted to visits between 6.30-8.30pm from Monday to Friday and for one hour on Saturday and Sunday.
Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick: Its visiting policy was "tightened up considerably" two years ago, following a survey of mothers. This reinforced the findings of a 1999 survey that showed a preference for restrictions on visiting times over open visiting. A partnership group at the hospital is currently re-examining the policy. Currently, a mother's partner or "support person" is allowed visit from 9am - 9pm, though some exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. Family members and friends are allowed entry from 2pm - 4pm and from 7pm - 9pm. The mother's children are free to visit, but must be accompanied by an adult.
St Finbarr's Hospital and Erinville Hospital, Cork: As at the Rotunda, a review was carried out at both Cork maternity units due to high incidence of the winter vomiting bug in 2002. The new rules that followed - which allow visits from 3-4pm and 7-8.30pm each day - were retained when a survey found that mothers "appreciate the extra rest", said a spokeswoman. Husbands and partners are allowed visit outside of these hours.
The Coombe hospital, Dublin: All visits are restricted to the three hours a day, from 5.30-8.30pm, with no exemptions for fathers. A spokesman said there were no plans to change this policy.
Cavan General Hospital/Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda: Both implement the HSE's national visiting guidelines. Under its terms, mothers can receive visitors from 2-4pm and 6.30-8.30pm, seven days a week. Any other requests are granted at the discretion of the ward manager. A husband or partner can be issued with a visitor's card which allows him to visit from 8.30am-9pm.
University College Hospital/ Portiuncula Hospital, Galway: A spokeswoman for HSE West said that visiting policies for Galway's maternity units were "currently being drawn up".