Mr. Kilian McGrane:

It is very difficult to quantify a timeline in this context because we do not know the scale of the problem. We know it is a very significant issue for a significant number of families. Once we get people together we can start to do that. I hope some things can be done before a separate budget allocation can be provided. I do not want to make a commitment to something we cannot honour until we know the scale of the problem. I appreciate that is very disappointing for the families, but they have engaged already. They are part of the HSE's response team that has been meeting since late last year.

The Deputy raised the issue of the investigation. I am not quite sure as to what an investigation would entail. I do not know what role the HPRA would have. A number of questions were asked on timing, such as when this was contraindicated in a way that it should no longer be used. Obviously we would need to have other neurology experts advising on the occasions when it should be used, at which point we are into a different territory. That is subject to further discussion. I certainly could not make a commitment on it today. I can understand why families would want to know why this has gone on for as long as it has. It is entirely reasonable.