Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of a 10% increase in births over budgeted targets for the first seven months of 2007 and the increased strain on the State's maternity hospitals as well as projections for growth in demand, she will ensure that the growing demand for maternity services is addressed and that the embargo on recruitment does not adversely affect maternity services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24019/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that, based on current figures, the number of births at year-end is expected to be in the region of 68,000, an increase of nearly 11% over 2006. The current recruitment pause is a temporary measure initiated by the HSE as part of a financial break-even plan. It will be reviewed at the end of October 2007. Notwithstanding this, it has been recognised that there are some critical or exceptional circumstances where appointment of staff may be necessary in frontline services. Accordingly, a process has been put in place to evaluate, monitor and approve requests for derogation from the general recruitment pause. A group has been established within the HSE which will meet weekly to consider such applications. The relevant HSE Network Manager may request a derogation where it is considered that a particular vacancy could have an adverse effect on services.

An independent review of maternity and gynaecology services in the greater Dublin area is being undertaken for the HSE which is expected to be completed shortly. The review will help to inform decisions on the most appropriate model of care for the future delivery of maternity and gynaecology services in Dublin.