Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I wish to share time with Deputies Devins and McGuinness.

I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to this debate this evening. The only aspect of the Opposition's motion that I can agree with is the expression of sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Pat Joe Walsh. However, I believe that a politically hostile motion is not the most appropriate format in which to express our sympathy.

Last night I met 15 members of the Walsh family and found them understandably heartbroken at the sad, sudden and tragic loss of their uncle, brother and father on 14 October, in the early hours of the morning, at Monaghan General Hospital. They have many questions to which they want answers and I want answers too. That is why we have established an independent investigation of all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Pat Joe Walsh, from the time he left Drogheda Hospital on 13 October to the time he died at 7.30 a.m. on Friday, 14 October. We want answers, not just for the family and the public, but to make sure that those that have responsibilities, whether political, medical or administrative, take those responsibilities seriously. I am told that we will have the report of the investigation within eight weeks and I very much look forward to receiving it, as do the family of Mr. Walsh.

I wish to deal now with the political aspects of this motion. I suppose that it is a backhanded compliment to me that Opposition Members choose to judge me after 12 months as Minister for Health and Children.

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