Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In Mr. O’Brien’s opening statement he set out the restrictions on comment on the Waterford intellectual disability services case. When he went on to speak about the procurement practice in establishing inquiries, he quoted the relevant EC regulation and the exceptional circumstances by way of explanation of how he engaged the services of Conal Devine and Resilience Ireland. He stated:

It is important to point out that the expertise required to undertake this broad-ranging and sensitive work included expertise in conducting serious incidents, reviews and investigations, knowledge of the social care services, child protection knowledge and expertise, as well as knowledge and experience of safeguarding practice. This type of expertise is not readily available in Ireland.

I am sure he has had a long conversation about this.