Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

It is expected the review will be completed in the summer and to a large extent it will be a precursor to what the Deputy terms a public inquiry. There will be enormous reluctance to engage in a public inquiry or indeed even an inquiry under the Commissions of Investigation Act, unless this is warranted. That is precisely what the Mr. Justice Smyth has been asked to do - and in that regard to speak to whoever is relevant. Clearly, the justice cannot cut across any possible criminal investigation, because this matter is also being investigated by the Garda Síochána, given that some of the circumstances may have changed since the previous criminal prosecutions. I am aware that the Garda Síochána is looking at the relevant issues, It is a matter for the Garda, rather than for me and neither could we establish a review that would look at the role of the DPP, the Garda Síochána or any trial that took place. I have explained that to Dignity 4 Patients, which I believe it understands.

The intention is to have the review available by the middle of the year and in the first instance I should like Dignity 4 Patients to have access to it. Subsequent to that, of course it will be made public.

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