Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I have a major difficulty with the Minister of State's contribution. Perhaps he might clarify the position. Mr. Philip Garland stated on radio this morning that there are 20 reports relating to children who died in care which have either been completed or are pending. Based on what the Minister of State indicated, the number in this regard is entirely different. He outlined a list of 22 children, nine of whom died of natural causes, 13 of whom were children in care who - save for one tragic case in which the child was murdered - he referred to as having died as a result of suicide or overdoses. In addition, the Minister of State that some form of review is only taking place in respect of eight of these cases.

Unless I misunderstand the position, Mr. Garland has indicated that there are 20 reports that are either completed and awaiting publication or that are in preparation, but the Minister of State indicated that there are only eight such reports. Is he in a position to reconcile the figures? If I misinterpreted what the Minister of State said, I apologise. However, this is an important matter. Will the Minister of State also clarify the number of these reports that have been received within the Department? When the report into the death of DF be published?

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