Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Vicky, Stephen and Cian and thank them for appearing before the committee to tell us their heartbreaking story in graphic detail. Obviously, the past period of time has been very difficult for them. I recall a certain individual a number of years ago making the point about another person who had passed away that he had done the State some service. There is no doubt that Vicky, Stephen and Cian have done the State a great service over the past couple of weeks. They have become the catalyst for something everybody in this room and many people in Leinster House have been seeking in recent years, namely, reform of the HSE and the health service. As a result of what they have done I believe we will never again see the same attitude in the future.

I wish to raise two points arising from the presentations. One was mentioned by Deputies Cassells and Kelly and I wish to tease it out further. It is about the same people still being in position as we move on. I believe there must be accountability not just in the House but across the board. Vicky, Stephen and Cian will be aware that there are a number of investigations taking place. We all want to get to the bottom of this issue. We need to get all the answers. Would it be better if the five, ten, 20 or whatever number of people are involved were left there to get the answers rather than move them to one side at this stage? I have no preference regarding the answer to that.

Second, Stephen made a point that refers to both him and Vicky. First, you said it is disappointing that you still have not heard anything about the suite of services and supports that was announced on Friday last. Do you think there is enough there? Stephen might have mentioned that there are other issues that could be addressed in the future. You are both in different situations to a certain extent. What other services are required over and above what has been announced in the past couple of weeks?

I wish you both every success and good wishes for the for the future.