Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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914. To ask the Minister for Health if she will meet with Oireachtas Members in relation to the downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, as requested in view of the fear and worry in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51935/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The safety and quality of our maternity services are of critical importance to the women and families who use them, as well as to this Government.

The developments at the Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) maternity unit may undoubtedly cause concern and worry for many women and families who attend or plan to attend services at PUH.

The safety and quality of maternity services are of critical importance. I understand developments at the Portiuncula University Hospital maternity unit are causing concern.

Of twelve reviews related to maternity care at Portiuncula, seven are now completed.

A highly experienced External Management Team was put in place in January 2025. This team includes a consultant obstetrician, director of midwifery and senior manager.

This team is continuing to oversee the work and safety of the unit. An Implementation Team is also progressing 52 recommendations from the seven completed reviews.

The maternity unit at Portiuncula has six obstetricians. Portiuncula has high levels of midwifery staffing compared with baselines and equivalent units.

On July 9th, the HSE announced higher-risk women would be transferred from Portiuncula. This may be to Galway or another unit of women's choice. This is in line with care pathways already in place.

The Implementation Team are working to ensure seamless transfer and care.

The HSE is also ensuring sufficient capacity at Galway University Hospital. This includes additional recruitment, and creating more dedicated maternity theatre space.

This work will continue to progress over the coming months. Close monitoring is continuing within both the HSE and the Department of Health.

It is important that we continue keep the public informed as this work progresses. I and the HSE will continue engaging with regional representatives on this matter.