Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their kind comments, their good wishes and their passionate contributions and statements that preceded their statements. They are difficult to answer. Senator Ó Céidigh asked me about specific cases. I do not know enough in that regard. I was one week in the job last Thursday and I am ashamed to say that I was not aware of what was going on here and the significance and import of it. Being appointed on a Tuesday, trying to find my feet and catch up, I was genuinely not aware that I was invited to be here last week. I explained this to Senator Freeman yesterday. It happens when one goes into an incredibly busy Department. I was just playing catch-up and it was a timing issue that caught up with me last Thursday. I assure the committee that it was not from any disrespect, lack of regard or lack of interest towards the families who presented to the committee. I will catch up and read all the blacks of the reports and presentations to and by the families. My officials have told me about some of them and I have met with people in the corridors of Leinster House who have told me of the powerful testimonies that were given here. I have not physically had the time to read them prior to coming to the Chamber today but I can assure the committee that I will read them and take on board the presentations. I thank people for their honesty in sharing such difficult stories on their part.

Senator Ó Céidigh asked me to specifically comment on one case. I would prefer not to, with the indulgence of the committee, because I do not believe it would be fair to do so unless I had heard the testimony in full myself. I thank the Senator for his kind comments. He also asked some specific questions about a task force. I shall look forward to speaking to the professor after the meeting. After this meeting I am rushing to another meeting with the Secretary General, but I will request the Professor's mobile phone number before I leave. I will pursue the issue of a task force. I believe it is a good way to go, provided that it is clearly driven and clearly defined with a clear end. If it is sharply focused then it is the right way to go. I do not have the kind of wisdom required. There is a lot of expectation of a Minister of State but he or she has only so many qualities and so many qualifications to bring to any role. We do need to rely on the experts. They need to be brought around the table. One needs to keep the number as small as one can and to get everybody contributing to be engaged in solution-led politics and to be as effective as possible.

I am trying to read my own writing. On recruitment and retention of staff, I do not have the magic solution to this matter. It is clearly an issue of which all of us are aware. I honestly do not know how we are going to get around that. It is a big issue and I am informed by the HSE that it is not just a problem in Ireland; it is an issue also in Europe. The retention aspect worries me just as much as the recruitment, if not more. Why are we not retaining the staff we need in the services? I do not have a solution for the Senator, other than a commitment to doing my best to find a solution for it. I do not have that just yet.