Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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268. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the investigation being set up to examine deaths in maternity units at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, and at other maternity hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11456/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Just over three weeks ago I requested the Chief Medical Officer of my Department to conduct a review of the safety of Portlaoise Hospital Maternity Services. Last Friday 28th February, I published the report of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department on the Perinatal Deaths at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. The CMO's report is far reaching. It makes 42 recommendations and 11 overall recommendations, all of which I have accepted. It not only sets out the immediate requirements for assuring safety for women attending Portlaoise Hospital Maternity Services but also provides the strategic direction for maternity services in Ireland generally.

The Report recommended (overall recommendation No. 8) that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) should be requested to undertake an investigation in accordance with Section 9(2) of the Health Act 2007. I have written to HIQA directing the Authority to undertake an immediate investigation of Portlaoise Hospital Maternity Services and to report to me by the end of this year. I expect HIQA to publish the Terms of Reference for the investigation in the very near future.