James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ó Cuív raised the issue of increasing numbers. I would pick up such a development very quickly when I would look at the monthly notifications. I have the power, once I invoke the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, to investigate, to suspend the service if I am concerned about safety. Such a suspension would remain in place until HIQA has reported back to me. If HIQA says in its report that the service is safe, it will be reinstated. If HIQA says after 21 or 18 days that it is still not happy, the service will remain suspended. I made it clear in my speech in the main Chamber that I will not be afraid to exercise that power.