James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sadly, the Deputy is prejudging the situation. The national maternity review being conducted by my Department is nowhere near finalised. I have made it clear on the floor of the House that, while the report commissioned by the west-north west group may be used to help inform the national review, it has no status in and of itself. My Department is conducting the review to ensure safe and comprehensive services while observing the underlying principle of our health policy, namely, that patients should be treated as near to home as possible in a safe, timely and effective manner. I ask the Deputy not to prejudge the national review's outcome. It may suit purposes locally to upset people and undermine their confidence in the hospital-----

See this speech in context