Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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231. To ask the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant ophthalmologists based at Galway University Hospital in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in tabular form. [39759/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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232. To ask the Minister for Health if bereavement suites and a bereavement champion are available 24/7 in each maternity hospital in the State; and if not, will she detail which maternity hospital does not have either in view of the fact mothers who tragically lose their baby just before birth or just after often have to endure the cries of healthy babies in the maternity hospital which can add to their trauma. [39798/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. There has been significant work undertaken in recent years to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss.  

In 2016, Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy was published, as well as the HSE’s National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. The National Maternity Strategy recognises the importance of improving and standardising bereavement care throughout our maternity services and recommends the implementation of the National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. The Standards are designed to enhance bereavement care services for parents who experience a pregnancy loss or perinatal death and cover all pregnancy loss situations from early pregnancy loss to perinatal death.

There has been significant progress in implementing the National Standards, including the development of Specialist Bereavement Teams in all 19 maternity hospitals and units, each with a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavement. Investment through the Strategy has supported the development of dedicated Bereavement Rooms. These spaces ensure that families who have experienced a bereavement or are receiving bad news can receive compassionate care in an appropriate setting, that affords privacy and dignity at a very difficult and distressing time. There are also quiet rooms available in most units to facilitate parents spending time with their baby.

The Department has been assured that all units continue to implement the Standards which is closely monitored by the Bereavement Standards Implementation Advisory Group reporting to the HSE's National Women & Infants Health Programme.

With regard to the current availability of Clinical Midwife Specialists in Bereavement and dedicated Bereavement Rooms, as this is a service matter I have asked that the HSE respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.