Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Chairman. I thank Mr. O'Brien and his team for coming before the committee today. The matters we are discussing are extremely serious. I do not think we have had an issue of such a horrendous nature before this committee previously. Important issues of accountability and responsibility arise before us today as well as the question of the entire operation and ethos of the HSE. We are discussing a very serious matter.

Mr. O'Brien gave us a briefing and said that the HSE sent us a briefing paper on 10 December. In the opening points in that document the HSE states that no individuals have been placed with the family by the South-Eastern Health Board, the HSE or voluntary service providers since 1995. Is that the situation?