Mr. Tony O'Brien:

I accept absolutely what the Chairman is saying, but if we are to have a really grown-up discussion, which the people in the room want, we must discuss both of those things. My first remarks were about compassion. I did not realise I said it seven times. Deputy Catherine Byrne reminded me of that. No one here is seeking to explain or excuse any of that but that does not mean we should not also talk about some of the resource issues that have affected the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise or other hospitals. It would be unfortunate if we got into a situation where because there was an inexplicable and inexcusable breakdown in care and compassion or compassion in care, this is the only discussion we need to have because it is not. Any reports on this situation in the context of where the health service has been and where it needs to go that do not address the fact that we have only half the obstetricians in this country that we need is missing half the point. While in some respects I would be on much safer territory coming in here and just saying that we should only talk about why people behave badly, I would be in dereliction of my duty if I did that. I want to be open and honest with the committee about that.

There were specific questions about theatres and other issues in the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise and other places. I will ask Dr. O'Reilly to talk about the situation at Portlaoise and I ask Mr. Woods to talk about the national situation.