Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Following the death of Mr. Patrick Walsh in Monaghan hospital on 14 October 2005, the Health Service Executive commissioned Mr. Declan Carey, a consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, and an honorary senior lecturer at Queen's University, and Professor John Monson, professor of surgery, University of Hull, to carry out an independent and external review.

The HSE has advised my Department that a report has been prepared by the consultants and is now going through a necessary legal process prior to completion. This is normal procedure. My Department is advised by the HSE that it has been in touch with the family of Mr. Walsh and briefed them fully on the current situation. I have not received the report and it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on its contents.

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