The terms of reference into the review of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital in County Galway have been published.

It was called after it emerged that two babies died and five others were deprived of oxygen during birth at the Ballinasloe hospital last year.

However the timeframe for the review has now been extended to include events between 2008 and 2014.

The review will be chaired by Professor James Walker, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University of Leeds. The team will examine individual cases to identify any failings in the care of mothers and babies at the hospital.

The review team will be 'afforded the assistance of all relevant' staff and personnel, and 'have access to all relevant files and records' (subject to any necessary consent and data protection requirements).

The review will also include a full review of maternity care at Portiuncula Hospital.

It is expected to begin in the coming weeks and take five months.

In a statement, Saolta University Health Care Group - Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe say they "regret any distress that is being caused to the families involved and offers any services that they may require to support them in dealing with the issues that arise."