Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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238. To ask the Minister for Health the number of Health Service Executive reviews carried out at maternity units in the State in respect of perinatal or infant hospital deaths each year for the past ten years. [7204/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive's Risk and Incident Investigation Process provides a framework for conducting investigations into serious incidents. Investigations of serious incidents including baby deaths have been conducted under the Process with support provided by the Executive's National Incident Management Team as appropriate. The Department does not receive information on HSE investigations as a matter of course.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of my Department is currently preparing a report for me on the issues at Portlaoise. I have assured the families concerned that the process will be transparent, that they will be involved and will have the opportunity to see the report in advance of the release. The findings of the CMO's report will inform any subsequent work to be undertaken by HIQA or others including any wider review.