Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's frustration over the inability to publish certain reports. We must find a way of on the one hand allowing people named in reports to have due process if that is what they want but on the other hand being able to publish the relevant information in order for us to take the necessary steps. The non-publication of the report does not mean that the necessary steps cannot be taken, because clearly it is seen by the people in the system.

However, in the instance that has brought us here today, an investigation team is already being set up. It is just over 24 hours since that baby died. A serious reportable event report is being prepared by the hospital. The case is logged in the incident investigation and management system, and is being escalated. An investigation team has already been established. The coroner has been contacted and the appropriate paperwork is being completed.

The HSE is not currently aware of any wider patient safety concerns arising from this case. That is important because we are talking about people who are at their most vulnerable. For a pregnant woman, going into labour is probably the most vulnerable time in her life. The necessary steps are being taken over that incident.

There is a wider issue with maternity services across the country, and not just in Cavan and Portlaoise. We need to determine what we need to do in order to restore trust and give women the reassurance they need regarding maternity services. The group appointed to prepare the maternity strategy will do that for us. However, the things that need to be done regarding Cavan General Hospital are already in train.

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