Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Time will show that an independent inquiry was required because one of the first things that has to be established or re-established here is public trust and confidence, which has been seriously dented. I believe the issues involved are more than just the top-ups themselves, although they are the most vexatious. We have also seen exposed the unusual arrangements in regard to pensions and other issues. However, if we do not know the questions, it is very difficult to get to the core of what is involved. An independent inquiry will establish a number of irregular practices and, hopefully, contribute to their eradication.

In the context of all of this, and of the efforts the Minister has just outlined to us, has he ensured that patients of these entities are not to be further penalised by further Government funding cuts in the HSE service plan to be announced later this morning?

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