Mr. Liam Woods:

With regard to the overall commentary on staff numbers, we have referred to Birthrate Plus, which is a review that, when complete, will make observations on the numbers of midwives required in Irish maternity units. The initial findings are that we will require more, and we have bid for it in the Estimates. A standardised approach is being used. Regarding Senator Crown's point, any review of the OECD data on health would indicate that our obstetrician numbers are relatively low, and the clinical programme has identified a need to at least double the numbers. There are, at most, 120 obstetricians in the country and there is a recognised need to grow the number very substantially, and potentially to double it.