Nine weeks ago, on the return of the Dáil, I wrote to the Minister for Health in relation to a decision made to remove hundreds of births from the maternity service in Portiuncula in Ballinasloe. I looked for a meeting for all Oireachtas Members and all parties, not just myself, with the Minister for Health. We have had mixed messages. We have had the 2018 Walker report on maternity services in Portiuncula. HSE management and the hospital manager told us the report's recommendations were implemented in full.

The chief executive of the HSE, however, has said that in no way, shape or form could it be suggested that they were implemented. We need answers. To me, this issue is way above politics. I want us to have an opportunity to sit down with the Minister. She needs to be able to stand over the decision that has been made. This affects women giving birth to their babies, who will have to travel farther. They are worried sick at what should be the happiest time of their lives. I am simply asking for the Minister for Health to sit down with Oireachtas Members from the area so that we, as their elected representatives, can answer, engage and tell the truth to these pregnant women.

I am sure the Deputy will accept that the Minister will work with absolute bona fides in this regard. Any decision the Minister makes, on foot of advice, will be in the best interests of the safety of women and also for the best outcomes in terms of the delivery of their babies and children. I will ask the Minister to engage with the Deputy. The Minister has a lot of issues on the table at the moment. This is an issue the Minister has discussed with us, but I will ask her to engage with the Deputies locally. I understand the issues of concern, but please accept that everything is motivated by safety and best outcomes.