Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise this not to score political points but to demonstrate the need to focus on the crisis in mental health in the same way as we need to focus on other crises. One such crisis that springs to mind is the report that up to 30 patients have died in University Hospital Limerick after being infected with so-called superbugs. Can the Taoiseach provide any information on the number of confirmed deaths as a result of infection by drug-resistant superbugs? Will he also state how many such cases have been identified in the past six months? Furthermore, will he ask the Minister for Health to release any information he has on this matter and indicate what action he will take to address it?

On the terms of reference for the commission of investigation into the case of Grace, a young intellectually disabled woman who remained in a foster home at the centre of abuse allegations, the report by Mr. Conor Dignam, SC, makes very disturbing reading. Will the Taoiseach give a clear commitment that the many specific issues raised by the Dignam report will be addressed? Will he also indicate what is the current status of the two HSE reports into allegations of serious sexual and physical abuse at a partially State funded foster home? Will he outline when the two reports will be published and what is the current status of the terms of reference of the commission of investigation?

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