A HIQA report has found the HSE failed to act on concerns about safety risks at Portlaoise Hospital.

It has carried out a review after questions were raised when five newborn babies died at the hospital.

The Irish Times reports a draft report from HIQA found Portlaoise hospital was not safety resourced to provide 24 hour surgery and critical care.

It also says there was inaction and indecision over problems at the hospital, 'major deficits' in how the hospital was run and a 'poorly governed' emergency department.

Paul Cullen, Health Correspondent for the Irish Times, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the findings of the report and has called it "damning".