John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am not too sure about that. My information is that the HSE has made arrangements for counselling support using the national counselling service which provides services for individuals, couples and family groups. Persons affected by these issues who do no wish to avail of such counselling can speak with a psychologist or counsellor in confidence. In addition to those concerns, the then Minister for Health at the time of the purchase of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in 1997 ensured that the previous owners, the Medical Missionaries of Mary, set aside a process of the sale as a fund, which is now available for addressing claims arising from incidents of alleged sexual abuse by the former consultant referred to. When, as Minister of State, I took the Adjournment some time ago I said at that stage no consideration was being given to holding such an inquiry. Since then, however, matters have moved on in the light of further evidence. Notwithstanding the crucial evidence given by Opposition Deputies, things have moved on. I firmly believe the Minister has good intentions in this regard.

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