Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Again, I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. I am sure they will understand that the Government and the Minister for Health are very much committed to ensuring that all women and families receive the highest standard of care, both at Portiuncula and across all maternity services nationally. The Minister and her Department officials will continue to work closely with the HSE, the clinical leads and families to ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered and sustained.

Pregnancy in Ireland is predominantly a safe experience with good outcomes. Ireland compares well with other similar countries on international standards. However, considering that the future direction of maternity services and their development will require extensive evidence-based assessment, of which the review of the implementation here is an important provision, I will relay the concerns the Deputies have raised back to the Minister. Through ongoing communication and a management plan, which is currently in place for Portiuncula University Hospital by the HSE, the Department of Health will continue to engage regarding all patient safety incidents to ensure they are being managed in line with the HSE incident management framework but also that the work being delivered through the programme for Government commitment in developing an extensive national maternity strategy is developed and that the new strategy will include wider policy issues arising from the Portiuncula review and its recommendations.

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