Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the current status of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and to outline the measures being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of maternity care for families in this facility. [52335/25]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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151. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns following significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and if she will address these concerns, and the future of the service. [52220/25]

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Minister for Health if the decision to downgrade maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital will be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52191/25]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Health if she will meet with Oireachtas Members to discuss significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe. [52221/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 151, 169 and 197 together.

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