The level of compensation being paid out in maternity claims in hospitals in this region over the past two years is alarming, according to Galway city Fine Gael Councillor Padraig Conneely.

The Councillor raised the matter at the monthly meeting of the HSE West Forum in Merlin Park this week.

He was told that the compensation paid out in maternity claims by the Saolta Hospital Group in 2015 was 2 million euro, that jumped to more than 17 million in 2016, and in the first 5 months of this year it’s already more than 8 million euro.

The Saolta Hospital group includes 7 hospitals across the west and northwest region.

The Councillor had asked for specifics in relation to maternity in University Hospital Galway claims but was told only the group figures are available.