Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

During the ongoing controversy around this case, at least one manager with no experience and no professional qualifications relating to child abuse was appointed to the area. There was transparency in respect of the appointments process and the job was not advertised. It was an in-house promotion. That is a contributory factor in the case.

The dysfunctionality of the HSE in general is a contributory factor. I do not think the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, would deny that. It is symptomatic of a broader malaise within the organisation. Someone must be held to account. A few investigations were carried out into this matter but they were either in-house or involved former members of the HSE who had gone into the private sector. The abuse was investigated in the 1990s but the matter was mishandled and the girl concerned ended up spending an extra 12 years in the place to which this matter refers. I wonder whether someone will be held to account for what happened.

The incestuous nature of how the HSE works reminds me of some other organisations in the country. The contribution of the director general, Tony O'Brien, to the PAC today is worrying. He confirmed that Ann remains in full-time, seven-day residential care with a voluntary provider and makes regular visits home to her mother. It appears he is being economical with the truth. He answered a question that was not asked in order to mislead in respect of the situation somewhat. Ann was making visits on and off to her home right up to the age of 15-----

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