Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I met Mr. Kane before when he was wearing his Genio hat. He is a man of great integrity and experience. I am dismayed, however, that the oversight group is working in parallel with this committee. The group's remit sounds very much like ours, yet we know there are people, including in Mr. Kane's family, in dire straits all over the country. They include children, older people and younger people. Very nicely, the committee secretariat produced a summary of the 48 reports. We have reports, committees, groups and consultations coming out of our ears and we need to get on with a fairly simple task. We know how to do so. I am slightly depressed and dismayed over the state we are in today. Pragmatically, however, there are always opportunities so I am interested in learning how Mr. Kane believes we could work together effectively without tripping over each other. What should the relationship be?

I suggest that it would be helpful if the oversight group were accountable to this committee. Perhaps it is something we might write to the Minister for Health about. In a way, the Minister for Health is the master of us all. This would make sense and it would ensure we are not doing the work the group is already doing. It would ensure, however, that the group's work tracks back to us. How does Mr. Kane envisage us working together? Is he similarly dismayed that we might trip over each other?

I have a suggestion for the Chairman and the other members regarding the worthy work the oversight group will undoubtedly do. The people on the group are very expert and experienced. Perhaps the group could be accountable to this committee.