Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. Last Tuesday there was due to be a conference in Smock Alley on the future of Oberstown to which many Members were invited. That event was cancelled. I had expected that in that context and close to that date, the Minister might publish the independent review or at least make a statement on the matter. The Minister is correct that I am referring to the operational review. It would also be of value to be updated on the other reports.

The operational review was first due to be published on 20 December 2016. Next week, there will have been a six-month delay in its publication. That is not good enough. I understand that there are legal consequences and things that need to be taken into account. However, this was a matter of considerable public debate, concern and interest. Oberstown staff and management also have a considerable interest in the report. While there has been some progress, the Minister has not even given a ballpark timeframe for publication. She has said publication will be after legal advice has been considered and all issues have been dealt with. We need a sense of when the report will be published. It is already six months overdue.

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