Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I welcome the amendment, which deals with an important issue that has been raised by all Members. However, I would like to use this opportunity to stress that there is an onus on the HSE to have the data. Now that the Minister has the power to look for it, I want to ensure the HSE will collect the information we need so that we can make decisions and know exactly what is going on, particularly with regard to the issue of child protection raised by Deputy Harris a moment ago. There is an onus on the HSE to ensure it has the information if the Minister asks for it. It has never been clear what information is available and whether it is being collected. I welcome this amendment but I emphasise the responsibility this confers on the HSE to ensure it is collecting the data, so that when we go to look for it, it will be provided to us.

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