Mr. Liam Woods:

The ratios set out in Birthrate Plus can determine that question and we can share the information with the Senator. It will bring us to a ratio of 29.5. Staff can be recruited as there is replacement capacity within the system which was not available at the time of the moratorium.

A number of questions were put about directors of midwifery. Thirteen of the 19 are in place. Senator Colm Burke asked whether there was an issue with the particular requirements to be a director of midwifery. The answer is "Yes". We have reviewed them and slightly amended them, while staying faithful to the overall needs. We are trying to recognise experience, as well as qualifications. We are working with our partners to address the matter in the units where they have been a difficulty. They are key leadership posts across the 19 units. It was our deliberate intention to have the posts filled within a close timeframe because they are key building blocks in the maternity networks. I will discuss these under the governance heading which was referred to by a number of members.