John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney. Most of the following has been outlined by Deputy Shatter but I will read it into the record.

In December 2007 the report of Dr. Kevin McCoy on the Western Health Board inquiry into allegations of abuse in the Brothers of Charity Services in Galway was published. The Western Health Board's inquiry had been formally established on 21 April 1999. I am really only repeating what has been said. Mr. John Hynes, former Secretary General of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, was subsequently contracted by the Department of Health and Children to review the circumstances surrounding the lapse of time in bringing to completion the Western Health Board inquiry into allegations of abuse in the Brothers of Charity Services, Galway.

Mr. Hynes submitted his report to the Department of Health and Children on 30 October 2008. However, the Department of Health and Children is not in a position to release this report until all issues arising, including legal matters, have been fully considered. A request for the release of the report was recently made to the Department of Health and Children by the Deputy under the Freedom of Information Act. However, this request was refused by the Department's decision makers under section 20(1), Deliberative Process, 21(1)(a) and 21(1)(b) Functions and Negotiations of a Public Body, of the Freedom of Information Acts. It would be inappropriate for me or the Department of Health and Children to comment further on the matter raised.

I will take on board the comments of the Deputy and will try to arrange a meeting between him and officials to see how we can move this on.

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