Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 November 2014
138. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) and the ongoing investigation into this case; if he will provide a timeframe in view of the time sensitivity of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43446/14]
View answerAs this matter remains sub judice I remain restricted in the response I can give to the Deputy on the questions raised.
However, in response to the first part of the Deputy's. I have been informed by the HSE that there were 13 mothers-to-be contracted for Home Births by Ms Canning at the time of the suspension. To date, 5 mothers have delivered of their babies. The remaining 8 mothers-to-be have arranged alternative care with the assistance of the designated midwifery officers. Any other mothers wishing to apply for Home Birth must contact the designated midwifery officers for assessment.
The most up to date information from the HSE is that there are 2 investigations ongoing into this case. I understand that there is an Internal System Analysis investigation that is expected to report within approximately 4 months. There is also an Independent Supervisory Investigation to be carried out in parallel , in order to expedite the overall process. The HSE is not yet in a position to provide a timeline for this second investigation.
