Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It comprises Ms Norah Gibbons and Mr. Geoffrey Shannon whose integrity no one doubts. However, there is a legal problem with giving the information and documentation on these children who may have died to the review group.

The HSE also refused to give accurate information on problems with X-rays at Tallaght hospital, breast cancer treatment in Portlaoise and information on charges for elderly people entering nursing homes. Now, arising from this debacle, one of the most monumental failures of the State, will the Taoiseach agree the HSE is dysfunctional? Will he agree that the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, is just a decoration at the Cabinet table?

When will the Taoiseach give us the accurate information? Will he introduce legislation, if it is necessary, to overcome the obstacles created by the HSE in this regard? Is he prepared to accept responsibility for this situation and see it is sorted out, because the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, has patently failed to do so? This is a matter of life and death in which it is now reported that up to 200 children may have died while in the care of the State. This information was to be given to Deputy Alan Shatter arising from a Dáil debate on 5 March 2009. I find it incredible that in a matter as sensitive, important and subjective as this, the Head of State does not have accurate information on it after all this time.

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