Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

In the first instance, I have spoken to Dr. Hayes. I have read his report. It is always important to speak to the authors of these reports. I did not meet him until he completed his report because I did not think it would be appropriate for me to do so. He did not ask to meet me. I had a long meeting with him on Monday. I got his insights, in addition to what he had said in the report. I met the chairman on Tuesday morning, with Mr. William McKee, who has come from Northern Ireland at the behest of the chairman and the board to assist the new acting manager, Mr. O'Connell, in the implementation of the key recommendations. I have every confidence that the chairman, Mr. McCann, and the board of the hospital are taking this matter seriously and will put into effect the recommendations in the Hayes report and the other changes that are needed if there is to be a modern and functioning hospital in the south-west part of Dublin. I have every confidence that that will happen.

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