The HSE says it has logged almost 60 serious incidents in the country's maternity units since 2012.

Reviews into ten cases have been completed, while 49 are on-going.

The Sunday Independent reports that the cases relate to stillbirths, miscarriage and complications during, or after, delivery.

The figures come at a time of intense scrutiny for Ireland's maternity services, following a number of scandals over care standards.

The HSE released a statement over the weekend:

"This review is still in progress and the HSE will communicate with families in the near future in relation to its progress," it read.