I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 218 together.
My Department requested the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme and Quality Assurance and Verification Division to review the National Maternity Hospital's investigation into a maternal death at the hospital, which occurred in May 2016. I can confirm that this review has been completed and recommends that all direct maternal deaths will be subject to a review external to the Maternity Network/Hospital Group. It is my belief that such a requirement will represent a significant step forward in terms of providing public assurance regarding the integrity of our review processes nationwide. In November last, I wrote to the Programme asking them to implement this recommendation immediately and I understand that this in train. The Deputy may wish to be aware that this recommendation is reiterated in the Programme's Implementation Plan for the National Maternity Strategy which is available at:
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/corporate/National-Maternity-Strategy-Implementation-Plan.pdf
.