Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We had a long debate about this yesterday, but I wish to express again our sincere sympathy to the family of Patrick Walsh, who died tragically in Monaghan last week. Deputy Kenny is right in that all the facts are not known. That is precisely why the Tánaiste announced yesterday — I reiterated it later — that Mr. Patrick Declan Carey, consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital and an honorary senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast will carry out an independent and external review of the circumstance surrounding Mr. Walsh's death. That review will be completed, a report will be issued and will be made public. I look forward to the review finding an answer to the question as to the beds available in the region and what the circumstances were in Monaghan General Hospital. Deputy Kenny has come to his conclusion about the circumstances, but I would rather wait to see what happens.

There was an examination of this matter last year. A report was prepared by a steering group established by the former health board in the area. That steering group was representative of all the key stakeholders, including consultant representation in surgery, medicine and radiology from the hospitals. The recommendations of that steering group were unanimously approved by the members of the group. It recommended that major and emergency surgery should be carried out in Cavan General Hospital and that Monaghan General Hospital should provide selective, elective surgery. The recommendations refer to advice from the Royal College of Surgeons.

There are protocols in place, but no protocols prevent doctors doing what is right for patients. They never did and never will.

See this speech in context