Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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247. To ask the Minister for Health if he will order a Health Information and Quality Authority inquiry into the tragic deaths of the babies who died in Portlaoise hospital and were the subject of the recent "Prime Time" RTE documentary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6128/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Once again I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to the families who have suffered such tragic losses. The loss of a child is a very difficult burden to bear. I am extremely concerned about the recent reports into the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and I conveyed my concern to three of the families when I met them personally at the weekend. These meetings, were I believe, very constructive and I wish to express my thanks to the families for being so open and honest with me.

I assured the families that I would establish as a priority if our services had failed them and to this end I have asked the Chief Medical Officer of my Department to provide me with a report on the issue as quickly as possible. I have told the families that this process will be transparent, that they will be involved and will have the opportunity to see the report in advance of release. The findings of the CMO's report will inform the terms of reference of any subsequent HIQA review into this issue.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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248. To ask the Minister for Health the data regarding the death of a child (details supplied) was not provided to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in UCC; if he will confirm if data regarding the other babies deaths covered in the TV programme were equally not provided to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in UCC; the reason the provision of data to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in UCC is voluntary; his views on whether it should be mandatory; if he is concerned that the absence of data being provided to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre means that its research publications are providing an inaccurate picture of the standard of maternity care here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6129/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to provide me with a report on the issues pertaining to the deaths of infants at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. Pending finalisation of that report, I am not in a position to make any further comments in the matter. The Chief Medical Officer's report will be completed as expeditiously as possible.