Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Really, Deputy McCormack's remark is ridiculous. It is not appropriate to throw out that sort of comment although it is a usual remark from him. I do not know why I reply to him because he should never be taken seriously.

Everyone here is committed to getting the necessary information so that the people can carry on their task. That is why the review group was set up. It was the Minister of State's initiative that we would look back, learning from the Tracey Fay situation, over the ten years since the Children First guidelines were first brought into being. That is the issue being undertaken at present.

To answer the Deputy's question, the number identified by the HSE to date is 23. The HSE is validating the figures, and not only of those who died in State care. The remit has been widened to include those who came to the notification of the services and who may have subsequently died while no longer in State care. There is also the question of looking back through all these files and contacts regarding people who may have required after care services beyond the age of 18 and who subsequently died. Those are the categories or circumstances that are now being investigated. The data thereon are being examined and collated. I would like to have the information as soon as practicable and possible so the team can get on with its work. In the meantime, there is available to us information of a general character that does not present a legal difficulty and which is being transferred to the review group personnel before Friday of this week to enable it to begin its work.

That is the full and comprehensive reply to the questions the Deputy asked. If there are other questions, I will answer them.

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