Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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428. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the application for planning permission for the new national maternity hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32495/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 10 March last, a planning application for the new National Maternity Hospital was submitted to An Bord Pleanála. A public oral hearing was held at the end of May and a decision on the application is expected by 11 September 2017.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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429. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the national maternity strategy; the composition of the steering group; the number of times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32496/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's first National Maternity Strategy Creating A Better Future Together 2016 - 2026 - will be implemented on a phased basis led by the National Women & Infants Health Programme. The Programme is currently finalising a detailed action plan to inform this process; this work includes the identification of funding requirements, which will in turn inform the annual Estimates process over the lifetime of the Strategy.

€3 million development funding provided for maternity services in 2016 was allocated in line with the Strategy, and included funding for additional staff, including 100 midwives, the development of specialist bereavement teams and for the implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System. Increased funding of €6.8m has been provided for maternity services in 2017 which will allow for the continued implementation of the Strategy.

In relation to the Deputy's question regarding the steering group, I assume he is referring to the group which was established to advise on the development of the Strategy Implementation plan. That group has convened 4 times since April 2017 and the composition is as follows:

1. Mr Kilian McGrane (Chair) National Programme Director, National Women and Infants’ Health Programme;

2. Dr Peter McKenna, National Clinical Director, National Women and Infants’ Health Programme;

3. Ms Angela Dunne, Director of Midwifery, National Women and Infants’ Health Programme;

4. Ms Emma Bradley, Department of Health;

5. Ms Joan Regan, Department of Health;

6. Ms Sheila Surgue, HSE ONMSD Midwifery Lead;

7. Dr Peter Boylan, Chair Institute of Obstetrics & Gynaecology;

8. Ms Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery, NMH;

9. Ms Martina Durkan, Patient Focus;

10. Ms Brigid Doherty, Patient Focus;

11. Mr Declan Devane, Professor of Midwifery, NUIG;

12. Ms Meabh Ni Bhuinneain, Consultant Obstetrician, UHM;

13. Ms Colette Cowan, Group CEO, UL Hospital Group;

14. Mr Pat O’Dowd, HSE Assistant National Director, Primary Care; and

15. Ms. Angela Fitzgerald, HSE Assistant National Director, AHD.