Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The exact details of who knew what and when will be explored by the investigation announced by the HSE. I do not wish to anticipate the outcome of that inquiry. I can say that HIQA was first informed of the matter on 24 April 2009. On the manner of the issue coming into the public domain, it is good that these matters do come into the public domain. However, the sequence within which they do so is unfortunate. Clearly we would wish to first complete the review and to inform all patients and families likely to be affected before putting the issue into the public domain. Members present in the House today know there was no intention not to put it in the public domain. HIQA would have done so anyway. It would not be behind the door in ensuring that happened. The correct sequence would be as outlined earlier.

The timeframe for completion of the existing reviews was May. As I mentioned earlier Professor Conlon represented to the Minister in December that he would do everything he could to ensure the matter was addressed as quickly as possible. However, now that the matter is in the public domain and there may be some disquiet and some reassurance required, the clinical director of the HSE, Dr. Barry White is meeting today with the consultant radiologist at Tallaght hospital to ensure further resources are drawn in. Naturally, the question as to why this was not done from day one will be asked. Obviously, this will require us to draw on other resources and as everybody in this House knows, when they put their politics to one side-----

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