Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I would like to ask the Minister of State about his role. Does he accept that his relationship with the HSE means it is not possible for him to be a fundamental link in the chain of command from social workers right up to the top? Does he agree that it is a fundamental weakness in the system? The terms of reference of this report did not necessarily deal with the matter of accountability. What does the Minister of State intend to do to meet his political responsibility to ensure there is an element of accountability in this respect? The word "accountability" has been used more than any other during this short debate. The Minister of State has a duty to ensure there is a level of accountability. A glaring omission from this report is the fact that third party reports or complaints were not dealt with. Why was that the case? What is the Minister of State doing about it? Why was it possible for the same social workers in Roscommon to have a neighbouring family's children taken into care at the same time that this case was being ignored? What will be the terms of reference of the HSE investigation that is consequential on this report? Does the Minister of State have any role or function in setting the terms of reference? When will the report into the investigation be published? It is necessary if we are to ensure those responsible for the litany of failures in this case are brought to answer.

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