The Health Minister will meet with families who lost babies at the Midlands Regional Hospital this afternoon.

A spokesperson for Leo Varadkar yesterday said that he wants to hear the views of the families involved.

The meeting will take place in Portlaoise as part of a visit by the Minister to inspect facilities at the hospital.

Meanwhile the head of the health service watchdog will appear before the Oireactas Health Committee today to discuss HIQA's report into services at Portlaoise.

Deputy Jerry Buttimer is Chair of the Committee: