Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

In discussing the O'Neill report into Leas Cross, it is important to remember that 105 people died between 2000 and 2005, either at the nursing home itself or following transfer to hospital from Leas Cross. The families of all those people are entitled to the immediate release of the report. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, has repeatedly told us that there are legal issues involved and that her legal advisers are examining the options. Where were those legal experts when the terms of reference for the inquiry were drawn up? Did the Minister think no-one would be blamed for anything?

The most amazing aspect of this saga is that the owners of Leas Cross have no problem with publication of the report. The report, I believe, accepts that while the mortality rate of 38% at the home was higher than expected, none of the deaths was preventable. The first draft of the report has been with the Minister since February of this year. The final report does not, as I understand it, differ greatly from the draft report, but seven months later we still await its publication. That is simply not good enough. Perhaps I should not be surprised at the delay in publishing the O'Neill report, given how long the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, sat on the report into the activities of Bord na gCon. The crucial difference here, however, is that 105 people died and, while none of those deaths may have been preventable, the families of those people are entitled to know whether staffing levels at Leas Cross were adequate and whether the staff had appropriate training. They are also entitled to know if proper work practices were in place at the home and if lessons have been learned so others will not suffer what their loved ones suffered.

If the Minister cannot obtain immediate approval to publish the report, it should be released to the Oireachtas without delay. I shudder at how long it will take to implement the recommendations of the report given how long it is taking to publish it.

A national register to monitor vulnerable patients is an absolute necessity and the necessary resources should be made available instantly to maintain such a register. The recommendations to have a register, proper inspection procedures and free availability of inspection reports to residents and the families of residents require action now.

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