Comhairle na nOspidéal is currently reviewing obstetric and related paediatric, anaesthetic and gynaecological services for the population of the North Eastern Health Board region, with particular reference to consultant staffing in the context of current best practice. In considering this review, Monaghan's location should be examined. The medical experts inform us that while most pregnancies end without complication, no ante-natal screening procedure can guarantee a problem-free delivery. I understand that following the end of obstetric services in Monaghan there were protocols in place to deal with emergency cases like this. The inquiry should report on why this event occurred last week and how to prevent it in future.