Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am not in a position to comment on any of the content of the report that has been redacted following legal advice, and that includes recommendations so affected. I indicated at the outset that I was determined to publish as much of the report as was possible following legal advice and in the public interest, and that is the context in which the redacted report was published on 12 May, 2009. The report is very strong in its criticisms, and the Government is determined to meet its commitment to address issues around service provision for children and families most in need of assistance.

The CEO of the HSE and the Garda Commissioner received the full report in their capacities as heads of the statutory bodies with responsibilities in regard to matters which were the subject of the inquiry. It is intended that this will enable all the recommendations, including those redacted, to be addressed in so far as they apply to their respective organisations. At the time of seeking legal advice I also asked for a determination in regard to the publication of the submissions appended to the report. The legal advice I received was that the content of the submissions should not be published. All the redactions in this report have been done solely on legal advice. I am considering the option of apprising the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children of the substance of the redacted recommendations in a manner and context that ensures the rights of those involved are protected and no reputational damage is suffered. That process is ongoing and I am seeking legal advice in that regard.

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