Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I again thank the Senator for raising this important issue. The Government is committed to implementing the national maternity strategy and, in doing so, improving services for the mid-west region. As the Senator said, this includes the colocation of Limerick's maternity hospital with UHL. That project is at an early stage of planning and will progress through the infrastructural guidelines approval process. When the Minister engages with the Senator - which I am sure will happen on a continual basis - she will be able to provide further updates in respect of that matter.

We are focused on ensuring we continue to provide safe, high-quality maternity services, with increased choices for women. That is at the centre of the continued investment and reform to deliver on this vision.