The Minister for Health has moved to assure expectant mothers about the standard of services at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

It comes as the chief medical officer Dr. Tony Holohan prepares a report into the deaths of four newborn infants over six years at the hospital.

James Reilly has suggested a full independent inquiry by HIQA will be ordered when the report from Dr. Holohan is completed.

An emotional minister said every step will be taken to stop more deaths and thanked the families for meeting with him over the weekend.

Minister Reilly said yesterday that, in all likelihood, he will be calling in HIQA to investigate the deaths of four babies at the hospital.

While the parents of one of the babies met a cross-party group of TDs and Senators yesterday afternoon and told them nothing less than in independent inquiry by HIQA would satisfy them.

Mark and Roisin Molloy said they welcomed a private meeting with the Health Minister last weekend and that they were listened to.

But they said they now want more.