Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree; I think there is an issue. We should always err on the side of transparency. Obviously, we must protect individuals. Many of these reports are very sensitive but that can be done largely through redaction and anonymisation. I am not comfortable with important reports that have a public interest not being published as soon as possible.

These amendments help and would speak to any section 9 HIQA report. I am very happy to provide the committee with a note as to exactly which reports they would be. These amendments move some way in the direction the Deputy outlined in that they strengthen HIQA's ability to do exactly what she referenced in terms of the reports. I will need to check on the two very specific reports the Deputy referenced. If she bears with me, I will check if those specific reports would be covered. If it is okay with the Deputy and Chairman, I will ask the Department to furnish a more detailed note to the committee on exactly the scope of the reports that would and would not be covered.