Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When I spoke on this issue on Tuesday evening, I did not think I would be speaking on it again two days later. I welcome the Minister of State's decision to broaden the terms of reference. While Grace will of course have priority in the investigation, the terms of reference have been expanded to include the other 46 children who passed through the foster home and to examine the protected disclosures made by the whistleblowers in this case. Although the commission is absolutely essential, I suggest we need to move beyond this process by looking at the lack of governance, accountability and transparency that is underpinning this controversy. This problem must be addressed in the reform of our health service and our entire public service. There is a lack of governance. We must learn from this commission. We should put in place a proper governance structure underpinned by legislation.

Why does the process of uncovering scandals like this depend on whistleblowing, which has almost become part of the institution rather than the exception? It is only through whistleblowers that we find out about wrongdoing and malpractice. In this case, there has been an abuse of trust, of power and of vulnerable people. Why does the first response of agencies like the HSE always involve covering up, denying wrongdoing and giving misinformation? This is allowed because there is no legislation underpinning governance, transparency and accountability in our health service. If we are to learn any lessons from this process, it is that we require strong legislation to ensure something like this can be identified very early and not allowed to develop. We cannot depend on whistleblowers to look after us.

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