Midwifery Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2016

Thursday, 10 November 2016

Ceisteanna (234)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

234. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the Rotunda Hospital is currently 42 midwives short of the recommended number of WTEs of 207.99, the National Maternity Hospital is 25 midwives short of its recommended complement of 234 and the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital is 34 midwives short of its recommended complement of 212; the steps he will take to address these serious shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34198/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In May, the HSE granted approval to the Hospital Groups to recruit an additional 100 midwives. The allocation of these midwives was informed by the findings of the Birth Rate Plus midwifery workforce project.

In relation to the specific query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.