The HSE has published its correspondence with the health watchdog on a draft report into the deaths of a number of babies at Portlaoise hospital.

In one letter, the director-general of the HSE Tony O'Brien says he does not agree with a number of the findings and the process used in the investigation.

He says it is vital people have confidence in the HSE to deliver vital services in a timely and appropriate manner, and the draft findings would 'shatter' that confidence.

In another, Mr O'Brien says it appears that there are more than 250 adverse findings or inferences in the draft report.

The letters were released on the HSE website last night.

Fianna Fail says the row over a report into a number of babies' deaths at the Midland Hospital in Portlaoise is an insult to those involved in and depending on maternity services. 

Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher is demanding Health Minister Leo Varadkar direct the HSE to allow HIQA to do its job.

Enda Kenny says the dispute needs to be resolved and not with the two agencies going to court.