Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We have heard from the Opposition about the importance of value for money for the taxpayer. Regarding the Dunne inquiry, the total cost of the inquiry was approximately €20 million up to the end of December 2004. On 1 September last the Government decided that the chair of the inquiry should furnish to the Minister for Health and Children, not later than 31 March, a final report following which the inquiry would cease to exist. The Tánaiste expects to get a comprehensive report on paediatric hospitals and certain other matters on or before 31 March. The content of the report will inform the Tánaiste's decision on how to proceed beyond that date. I understand she met the Parents for Justice group yesterday and indicated that she will revert to it as soon as the contents of the report are known. We will take our legal advice from the Attorney General in the normal way and the Minister will then revert to the group concerned as to how we proceed.

I emphasise that the purpose of Government is to establish the facts. The important point is how we establish the facts surrounding these matters. That does not involve any particular route or inquiry. It is a matter of establishing the facts. An inquiry in Northern Ireland with a similar remit and terms of reference to the current one concluded its work in 15 to 18 months.

See this speech in context