Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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It is a welcome development that the witnesses are here. I thank them for their comprehensive summary. It is quite difficult at times when one hears the stories and the impact this has had on children. As part of the report the witnesses have brought before the committee today, it is reassuring that the very important steps that need to be put in place are being considered.

The move to the new hospital is the perfect opportunity to ensure that all compliance is there. The real reason the witnesses are here is that fundamental mistakes were made and have a fundamental impact on children, not just the children who had botched surgery, but also on parents - young parents in most cases - who are left picking up the pieces. We all know them and have met them. I am one of those who had a visiting child who had been impacted as a consequence of one of those procedures. When I look back on it, it galls me because one waits in anticipation for a full recovery and for the next procedure, whenever that would be, to get this child to full mobility in the future. I learned that that child was informed recently that, as a consequence of the previous surgeries, the child will not now be considered because of the enormity of the impact the procedure would have on the child due to the legacy issues.

These are the real issues that have brought the witnesses here today. I thank them for attending but it is a calamity they have to be here. One would expect that, when one brings a loved one - a child or otherwise - to any of the hospitals for a procedure or operation, it would be done with the very highest integrity and standards and where any ambiguity or indecision is certainly not a concern. We have had this debate over the past couple of weeks. God knows I do not come from a medical background but I certainly come with a high degree of empathy. It kills me when I hear of the pain and suffering endured by some of those children.

I note Ms Nugent still maintains that there is no good reason to publish the full report. That is my first question. Why will CHI not publish the full report or even a redacted version? Ms Nugent touched on some of the reasons she felt it might not be appropriate or otherwise, but if there is nothing insurmountable or toxic about that report, I cannot see any reason it would be withheld. That is my first question.

Next, is there an independent review of how internal conflict and cultural issues at CHI affect clinical safety and patient outcomes? What specific targets have been set for clinical and cultural integration ahead of the move to the new hospital? How will CHI ensure that the new hospital is not just a change of location but a transformative and caring institution? What safeguards are now in place to prevent the introduction of unauthorised or untested medical devices in CHI hospitals?

I have two questions that are quite significant and I will put them to Ms Nugent, if she does not mind. Can she or will she confirm that meetings took place with two surgeons at CHI Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh on 20 February 2020? Can or will Ms Nugent confirm that these surgeons sought her guidance on the introduction of what I would describe as novel medical devices?