Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Renua Ireland)
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I thank all the witnesses for their clear evidence to the joint committee. I am caught somewhere between being utterly depressed and very inspired by the commitment, tenacity and sheer doggedness of the witnesses in pursuing this on behalf of their babies. I have two questions. Mark and Róisín spoke about the report that was conducted about baby Mark. Other reports were conducted internally about which the parents were not even informed which I find deeply shocking. Has the HSE committed to conducting similar reports to the one that was conducted about baby Mark at the insistence of Mark and Róisín? Do the witnesses expect that other reports into those individual cases will be conducted which will involve participation by the parents, which is self-evidently a step that needs to be taken?

Specifically, I ask about remarks Ms Amy Delahunt made. It is up to the witnesses as to whether they wish to respond. Ms Delahunt said the director general of the HSE must stop misinforming the public that these events were before his time at the HSE. It is a very serious statement. I would like the witnesses to elaborate on some instances of that misinformation being given. This is very serious in terms of the persistent and consistent approach of the HSE at the very highest level. We are aware that the HIQA report has identified systemic and other failures at national, regional and local level. Unfortunately, the HIQA report does not suggest who is responsible and who should be held accountable. I would like to hear from the witnesses who they think is accountable or how they consider that accountability should be achieved.

At the end of the process, what will give the witnesses, not personal satisfaction but reassurance that others will not have to endure the trauma and tragedy their families have suffered over recent years?