Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Neither the Deputy nor I want to undermine confidence in the screening processes we have in place for various illnesses and health issues. Having said that, in October 2014 when the national bowel-screening programme was informed of the two cases, it took action. In November 2014 Wexford General Hospital, BowelScreen and the particular clinician, let us say clinician Y, said no further BowelScreen colonoscopies would be carried out by that clinician until the review of the two cases was completed.

In January 2015, an HSE serious incident management team was established. People were contacted immediately. It is important to note that there has been both action at a local level within Wexford General Hospital and by the HSE and we will also have an external review in line with good practice and that there has been open disclosure. Open disclosure certainly in the way this has been done is new and to be welcomed. The external review will, of course, address the various issues the Deputy has raised today.

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