Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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766. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to develop more free-standing birth centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21838/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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767. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to open more midwifery-led birth centres attached to hospitals, in addition to those already at Drogheda in County Louth and in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 766 and 767 together.

My Department is currently developing a National Maternity Strategy which will set out policy direction for maternity services. As a first step, a review of national and international literature on the organisation and delivery of maternity services, which was commissioned by the Department, examined models of maternity care in other jurisdictions, including midwifery-led care. The literature review is currently informing the work of the Steering Group which has been established to advise on the development of the Strategy. I have identified the publication of the Strategy as one of my priorities for 2015.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department is committed to the principle of choice for women in child birth. In that regard, the Strategy will develop the principles which should underpin integrated models of care and appropriate care pathways. The need for any further midwifery led units will be considered in that context.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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768. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the number of midwives necessary to meet demand for home birth services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21840/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.

Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the HSE. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.