Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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393. To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify his previous statements regarding the case of a person (details supplied), when he stated that the person's indemnity has been suspended temporarily, due to specific and serious concerns expressed by other clinical staff regarding patient safety; and if he will confirm that when the Health Service Executive suspends a person, as a precautionary measure, subject to a review and-or investigation, that it does not do so lightly, in view of the lifting of the suspension as being no longer in the public interest. [10090/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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394. To ask the Minister for Health if he will initiate an independent inquiry into the way and the reason the Health Service Executive initiated its inquiry into a person (details supplied) in view of the lack of evidence of that person's alleged threat to patient safety. [10091/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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395. To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the continuation of two inquiries by the Health Service Executive, which precipitated the suspension of a person (details supplied), despite that person's reinstatement and the fact that three reports have vindicated that person's position; the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10092/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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396. To ask the Minister for Health the actions he will take to address an issue relating to persons (details supplied) and the Health Service Executive's suspension of their indemnity. [10093/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 396, inclusive, together.

I welcome the decision of the HSE to reinstate the clinical indemnity of the self-employed community midwife. The HSE is legally obliged to actively promote the wellbeing and welfare of the public. Decisions in this regard are made on a bona fide basis based on information available to the HSE at the time.

I understand from the HSE that in this case, it took the precautionary step of a temporary suspension based on the information available and set up two reviews, which remain ongoing. These reviews will be completed in order to obtain detailed information and clarification on these important matters.

I have been advised by the HSE that new information has recently come to light from expert reports and following its consideration the HSE has ceased the temporary suspension of the self-employed community midwife's clinical indemnity insurance thereby allowing her to return to clinical practice.

There were 12 mothers-to-be contracted to the self-employed community midwife for homebirths, at the time of her suspension. Presently, all mothers have delivered of their babies. The remaining mothers who were known to the person in question, but had not agreed a contract with the HSE, had been advised to make contact with a designated midwife officer in the HSE.

As these matters may be the subject of further legal proceedings I am not in a position to make any further comment at this time.