A total of 16 maternal deaths were recorded at Dublin's Rotunda Hospital between 2008 and 2014, according to the hospital's latest clinical report.

The report for 2014 shows that two maternal deaths were recorded in that year, both classified as ‘indirect' deaths.

In one case, the mother died at the Mater Hospital shortly after giving birth, with the cause of death given as a large brain tumour. The baby also died, of kidney disease.

The second maternal mortality recorded at the Rotunda in 2014 was due to suicide, six months after the mother's baby died at the hospital.

The Rotunda's clinical report says the latter death does not strictly fit the criteria of maternal mortality according to the World Health Organization definition of maternal death classified as being within 42 days of delivery.

However, the report states that the Confidential Maternal Death Inquiry in Ireland has requested that deaths be recorded up to one year after delivery.

Statistics for previous years included in the Rotunda's 2014 report show that a total of 16 maternal deaths were recorded by the Rotunda between 2008 and 2014.

However, some of these would have been indirect deaths - that is due to causes other than complications or incidents directly relating to the pregnancy.

The report shows that 8,980 babies were born at the Rotunda in 2014, compared to 8,841 the previous year, and 9,041 in 2012.

Writing in the report, Rotunda Master Dr Sam Coulter-Smith said that while obstetric activity levels in hospitals around the country seem to have fallen away, the Rotunda's levels remain high.

Despite these levels, the Rotunda continues to provide a safe service for patients, Dr Coulter-Smith said.

Its perinatal mortality rate for 2014 was 4.4 per 1,000, in line with recent years, he added.