Significantly, this day a year ago, I was obliged, along with my colleagues, to bring a motion to implement the national maternity strategy, which the Government accepted on the day. That motion arose from the concerns of the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, at the failure to implement the national maternity strategy, notwithstanding that we were halfway through the strategy. Imagine my horror when learning this week that in the local maternity hospital in Galway city, St. Monica's ward is closed and appears to be closed for three weeks. The major gynaecology ward in the hospital is closed for three weeks without explanation.

That ward deals with patients with cervical cancer and all the other gynaecological problems. I am bringing it to the Minister's attention that I have not had an answer to my queries on this issue. I would appreciate if he could find out why the ward was closed, what is happening with it and when it will be reopened.

I will, of course, get the Deputy a detailed note on this matter. I can tell her that the national maternity strategy has been fully implemented last year and this year. The full €9 million required for new development was allocated in 2021 and this year. I have met the maternity team in University Hospital Galway. There are several things going on. The maternity strategy in Galway is being implemented and there is more midwifery-led care. I will get the Deputy a note on that.

Did the maternity team bring the ward closure to the Minister's attention?

It did not. However, I saw during my visit that one of the new ambulatory gynaecology clinics has been set up and, as the Deputy will be aware, a new regional fertility clinic has opened in Galway. The new perinatal mental health team is also in place. There has been a very significant expansion in women's health services, including maternity services, in Galway in the past two years. I will get the Deputy a note on the ward she referenced.