The ratio of births to midwives at the National Maternity Hospital is significantly higher than recommended by international best practice.

Holles Street in Dublin has a ratio of one midwife to 39 births, significantly higher than the recommended one to 29.5 ratio.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation carried out a survey of all maternity units in Ireland, and found none were adequately staffed.

The INMO found the maternity unit at Portlaoise is the most understaffed.

The Health Watchdog is to carry out an independent inquiry into the Midlands Regional Portlaoise - after four babies died.

Midwife officer with the INMO Deirdre Munro says the lack of midwives places them under huge pressure: