Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding midwives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14211/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Chief Nursing Office within the Department has convened a senior group of Directors of Midwives and senior lecturers from the 7 universities in Ireland, who educate student midwives on the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This group will review the current arrangements for the recruitment and retention of midwives and will explore options for addressing the particular difficulties arising. Progress is already being made. Communications expertise is being offered to assist in the recruitment of potential students. In addition a special 'midwives week' will be held in early May during which the midwifery profession will be showcased and special initiatives undertaken to advocate and promote for the profession. It is also anticipated that these issues will be explored further this year, as part of the development of the maternity strategy.