Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask that the Minister would come into the House to clarify such comments. If it is the case that these reports were carried out by the hospital groups and are politically motivated, that raises serious questions about the capacity of the CEO of the HSE. There are already questions hanging over him and the Minister. I ask the Minister to come to the House to clarify the position.

The Minister said that an examination and evaluation of the maternity hospitals is being conducted in order that a national strategy be devised. He said that each of the 19 maternity units is being examined and that the Department is also examining national and international evidence of best practice in order to determine how to move forward.