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

I assure the Minister of State that I never waste my time when I get the opportunity to speak in this House. I will have the opportunity to query the address of the Minister to HIQA in a few moments when I return to the Joint Committee on Health and Children before which Mr. Phelim Quinn is appearing this afternoon. However, I understand that the request does not equate with an order and there seems to be some differential between the two. This is most unfortunate and needs to be properly addressed.

I note the Minister of State's inability in her reply to refer to the second investigation. I named the make-up of that team in my first contribution. Irrespective of what restrictions may exist, I ask the Minister of State in her further reply to indicate that she and the Minister would urge the participants, Dr. McKenna et al., to increase focus in terms of the utilisation of their time, accepting that they are all already very busy people in other areas but recognising that we cannot afford to wait for the third anniversary of the tragic loss of baby Jamie Flynn by November of this year before we are to see even the publication of the report never mind the implementation of its recommendations.

Among a significant catchment of this country, pregnant women presenting for obstetric maternity services are deeply concerned. Staff in the maternity unit in Cavan General Hospital are also deeply concerned at the absence of any report findings and recommendations. I have no question as to the integrity and commitment of the maternity staff, the nurses and midwives, at Cavan General Hospital. They are understandably anxious to have this matter expedited. It is imperative that particular action is taken and that we have the required closure in terms of those findings and recommendations at the earliest possible time. I thank the Minister of State for her co-operation on that.

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