Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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27. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the statistics on public maternity units, recently released under freedom of information, which show a wide variation in caesarean section rates, ranging from 19.1% in Sligo General Hospital to 38% in St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6953/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of, and have noted, the variations in the rates of C-Section throughout the country. The Deputy may wish to note that a new National Maternity Strategy will be developed by my Department this year. This Strategy will determine the future model of services to ensure that women have access to safe, high quality maternity care in a setting most appropriate to their needs. As part of the development of the Strategy, it is proposed to review and evaluate current maternity services. The issue of variations in c-section rates will be considered in that context.