John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

From reading the correspondence we received today and having listened to Mr. Daly's replies to various questions from members, it is clear that this is a huge scandal. As a country, we will reflect on what has happened with great sadness and shame. How best can we deal with all of the correspondence Mr. Daly has submitted to the committee and been asked about today?

Separate from this committee, is it the case that we now need a general inquiry at some stage into what happened so that we can understand clearly and have the time to tease out the step-by-step failings that have occurred? Whether it is the Minister, the Department or whoever, we are talking about the care of the elderly and a significant number of deaths that may or may not have been avoided. Does Mr. Daly see the need for a more substantial inquiry into all of this?