The HSE has said it is implementing a policy of open disclosure following adverse clinical events, in the wake of the Portlaloise Hospital infant death scandal.

HSE Director General Tony O'Brien told the Oireachtas Health Committee today that a review of diagnostic testing is also underway at Portlaoise.

He said the HSE has issued a directive to all healthcare providers requiring them to notify the Director of Quality and Safety with the health executive and HIQA of all major adverse clinical events.

A new interim management team was appointed to the Portlaoise maternity service on February 28 in the wake of the infant death controversy and talks were ongoing on closer links between the unit and Dublin's Coombe Hospital.

Mr O'Brien said other infant death cases at Portlaoise that had become known to the HSE since the airing of the recent Prime Time programme where families were not treated in a sufficiently or compassionate manner were being dealt with by the new management team and the HSE Regional Director of Performance and Integration.

On the current controversy over ambulance response times, Mr O'Brien said the budget available for the National Ambulance Service had increased by 4.3% between 2012 and 2013 and the HSE would continue to invest in services to ensure the best outcome for its patients.

He told the Committee 96% of adults on treatment waiting lists were waiting less than eight months for care at the end of January 2014, compared to 94% in January 2013.