The maternity unit in Portlaoise Hospital is the most understaffed unit in the country according to the INMO.

It comes as the Health Minister answers questions about the hospital's maternity services, and staffing levels there, at the Oireachtas Health Committee. 

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) carried out a survey of midwives and found that no maternity service has the internationally recommended midwife-to-birth ratio.

The ratio currently varies from one midwife to 30 births, raising to 55 births in some units.

James Reilly says cutbacks cannot explain the "unacceptable" culture at the Portlaoise Hospital, however, several deputies have called on the Minister to account for the impact of staff cuts.

The HSE Chief Operational Officer meanwhile said disciplinary action will be taken, where warranted.

Laverne McGuinness says the Health Service has launched its own review into concerns raised by the report, with a view to taking any action necessary.

Speaking ahead of Committee proceedings, Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said last week's report would be examined in great detail.