Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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54. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the level of midwifery staffing in many maternity units remains below the Birthrate Plus recommendations and in some cases well below same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20840/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE Midwifery Workforce Planning Project Report modelled on Birthrate Plus methodologies was published in April 2016. This Report recommended a range of midwifery staffing ratios across the 19 maternity hospitals/units taking into account the variability in working arrangements and clinical practices between the different sites and services. This Report also acknowledged that the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy 2016 – 2026 would have a significant impact to the way midwifery services are delivered and will consequently have a further impact on workforce requirements. The National Women & Infants Health Programme in the HSE, is leading on the implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, which includes identifying and resolving requirements in relation to staffing.

However, as this query relates to a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to your query directly with additional information.