40 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children when the special forum established to examine current difficulties being experienced by the three Dublin maternity hospitals in recruiting and retaining midwives is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30894/01]

I have received the report of the special Forum on Dublin Maternity Hospitals.

The forum has made a number of recommendations to improve the capacity of the hospitals concerned to recruit and retain midwives. These relate to the introduction of better career opportunities and significantly enhanced support for those who take up employment in the hospitals.

The recommendations made by the forum are currently under consideration by my Department, having regard to the pressures on the Dublin maternity hospitals and the cost and other implications of the measures proposed.