Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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992. To ask the Minister for Health if there is an explanation for the extraordinarily high incidence of Covid placentitis of which there were eleven cases reported worldwide up to November 2020 and four suspected cases in Ireland announced on 4 March 2021; and if he will provide any such explanation. [13514/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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993. To ask the Minister for Health if the four stillbirths in Ireland suspected to be linked to Covid placentitis were recorded as Covid-19 related deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health has been informed of four reports of stillbirth potentially associated with a complication of COVID-19 known as Covid placentitis.

Two of the four stillbirths associated with COVID-19 have been notified to HPSC on CIDR as COVID-19 deaths and are included in the COVID-19 deaths total. The notification of the remaining two cases as COVID-19 deaths is under review/investigation.

These reports should be interpreted with caution as coroners have not yet concluded their findings. While COVID placentitis is a recognised pathological entity, this is an evolving area of practice and the pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood.

International experience generally suggests there has been no increase in stillbirths since the pandemic began.

The HSE's National Women and Infants Programme is aware of and is monitoring the situation and has issued a related notice to obstetric departments.