Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept the assertions the Deputy has made regarding the suggestion of non-accountability. The protocol sets out that we first identify if there is a need for the service to cease to ensure that any new patients are not affected and, second, identify if there are any patients who have been through the system who need to be followed up to have their care reviewed or amended. That is in the process of being done currently. Third, when the clinical needs of these patients have been met and they have been informed, we then proceed with carrying out an inquiry as to whether there are wider lessons to be learned and applied.

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