The Health Minister has said he "would be very surprised" if the maternity led unit at Cavan General Hospital is to close.
It's believed the unit will merge with the consultant led service in the hospital later this year.
This news emerged over the weekend and has been met with criticism and concern.
The INMO questioned the move when the National Maternity Strategy advocates the extension of midwife led care across the country.
Health Minister Simon Harris has today said he has not been advised of any intention to close the unit in Cavan.
In a statement issued through local Senator Joe O'Reilly he said the HSE applied for a drawdown of funding which would be used in the provision of maternity services this year.
He says it "specifically includes funding for an Advanced Midwifery Practitioner which will provide senior midwifery expertise and capability, and enable the further expansion of community midwifery services in Cavan".
He says he has asked Department officials to "engage with the National Women and Infants Health Programme and to provide a full report and assurances that maternity services within the RCSI Hospital Group are, and will continue to be, developed in line with Government policy."
Cavan General Hospital and the RCSI Hospitals Group have been contacted for comment.
A petition calling for the retention of the unit has gained over 8,000 signatures this weekend.
Cavan's midwife led unit is one of only two such units in the country. There are fears the merger could lead to a cutting in services provided in CGH.
The online petition started shortly after news of the plans broke has now gained over 8,000 signatures.
