Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat disappointed by the Taoiseach’s response. There is a compelling need for an independent inquiry. One could be established that would not jeopardise any criminal proceedings. There are fundamental issues that go to the heart of what happened at Áras Attracta that need independent investigation, separate from the HSE and HIQA. The Government should move on that and consider that as a response of substance to the revelations in yesterday’s "Prime Time" programme. Nothing less will suffice. There has been a fundamental breach of trust which can only be restored by a fully independent inquiry into what happened.

In terms of assurances for similar centres, I do not think calling the chief executives together next Tuesday to ask them if everything is okay is sufficient. I have no doubt most of them will say yes, it is grand. If we have learnt anything from the revelations yesterday it is that we cannot take any glib assurances that things are grand and fine in a particular institution.

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