There cannot be an ultrasound scanner “at every cross roads” but where they are needed they will be available on a geographic basis, according to Dr Peter Boylan.

Dr Peter Boylan has been appointed to help the government implement new abortion services in Ireland.

The former master of the National Maternity Hospital has claimed some consultant posts are now “so unattractive that no applications are received”.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has supported Health Minister Simon Harris in his call for “breathing space” to resolve the new national maternity hospital crisis, saying talks are needed to put in place a “legally waterproof situation”.