To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to review and update the Maternity Strategy, with specific reference to (i) a workforce planning dimension; and (ii) appropriate financial support for implementation.

I intend to commence a regional review of Maternity and Neonatal Services shortly. The outcome of this review will be the identification of an optimal service configuration in relation to maternity and neonatal services for the next 10-15 years. One of the objectives of the project is to identify the workforce, training needs and associated costs of future service models. Any financial implications as a result of recommended investment or implementation will be subject to detailed business cases and funding approval.