Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

To make the point again, the recommendations that were redacted were done so on the basis that the manner in which the report was brought forward meant there were legal issues arising with regard to those aspects, as there were with regard to the narrative itself. It is not a question of censoring the report, but a question of having to act on legal advice in terms of what information can be made available consistent with the protection of everyone's rights in these matters, including the families concerned. These are the reasons behind the decision and there is no other reason. I wish to make that very clear.

Now the report has been published, the question of a debate in the House is a matter for discussion by the Whips. That issue can be taken up in the normal way in terms of how published reports might be debated in the House, if that is deemed appropriate. On the question of the HSE and the chief executive officer, there is a statutory duty of care that puts him in a privileged position. The Attorney General confirmed that to us recently and the report will be made available to him on that basis.

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