Dr. John Lawlor:

Obviously, Mr. Elliot would give a much more expert view on the quality of those than I would. I believe our files are a quantum better than they were six years ago. It is a process of getting them better.

In general, what has happened since 2012 is a husbandry issue. How do we improve our note-taking? How do we ensure everything is in the file that should be in it and that files are accurate and are not missing a point? Since my time in the organisation, I believe we have fulfilled our reporting requirements to the statutory bodies and I stake my reputation on the line on that. We have a responsibility to the statutory authorities, both to Tusla and the Garda, and we fulfil that diligently. Our staff have worked closely on that and they have learned as we have gone along and we have got better at it. We have stepped that up since Mr. Elliot arrived. That is a process of husbandry.

On the older files, it is prudent and entirely appropriate for us to take a more in-depth look than we did in 2012. It is entirely to the credit of the organisation that we have retained these files in the interests of any person, however long ago, who might have been hurt or distressed and who may need to get that information through inquiries with statutory agencies or with ourselves. It is a solemn responsibility for the organisation to make sure that happens. I am very happy that we will have the insight of Mr. Elliot to help us through that. He will be doing that in his professional work and we will support him in any way we can. It will be his call as to what needs to happen.