The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said external reviews could be ordered into the deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Kenny’s comments come after criticism that the deaths of two babies at Cavan General Hospital will be investigated internally.

In the Dáil today Enda Kenny said those internal inquiries would continue to determine the cause of death in the two cases.

However, the Taoiseach has said external inquiries can then be pursued if considered “necessary”.

“The Minister (Simon Harris) is anxious that these things would be expedited,” said Kenny.

“I think in the case of independent reviews, I think it’s important first of all to have the internal review completed under the systems that apply. Look at those and then if an independent, outside, external review is necessary we then that can happen.”