I raise the Health Service Executive report from yesterday on the care of some women in Portiuncula hospital. The results are shocking enough that this could be replicated in other hospitals. Equally shocking and perhaps more is that we utterly failed to learn from the Walker report in 2018 and the same mistakes have been repeated. I am particularly aware of the national maternity strategy. We clearly need a debate on the topic. For today, my question relates to the decision to move high-risk pregnancies to Galway hospital, which is under extreme pressure. It does not have the new maternity wing. If it has be done in an emergency, clarity is required on the extra resources that will be put in to facilitate that. The department is already under extreme pressure.

I thank the Deputy for her question. This concern is specific to Portiuncula, which demonstrated a much higher than expected rate of requirement for Caesarean sections and cooling of the baby. This was a specific issue. All of the recommendations of the Walker report were implemented. There has been a 100% increase in the number of obstetric consultants and a 25% increase in the number of midwives at Portiuncula. The report has been implemented and increased resources were provided yet there is still a problem. We have to respond to that problem from a patient safety perspective. High-risk pregnancies are being moved to Galway. I have visited the maternity unit in Galway. I know what the Deputy means. I am seeking significant capital funding to transform Galway hospital, including the maternity unit, and to make sure the resources are available in the longer term as well.