James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The HSE is in charge of this investigation and if it appoints to people to do it, it remains under its remit. That is totally unacceptable to the Opposition and to the vast number of patients who use our health service. The executive has not been found to be suitable to investigate itself no more than any other group in the country is suitable to investigate itself. We should have a patient safety authority because if cases like this emerge, people would not have to go their solicitors. They could go to the authority, which would act as an advocate for them and address their issue.

The HSE undertaking a review did not result in the machinery being moved or a sonographer being made available. The Minister can refer to extraneous issues as activity but if the core issue, which is faulty equipment and lack of fully trained professional, is not addressed, one can review the service until the cows come home and patients will be left at risk.

See this speech in context