Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Kelleher that when information comes to the Dáil it must be correct because we can only act on correct information. He is right to highlight the fact that some of the information we received in the past was not as clear as it should have been. Many of those who work in the health service, clerical staff, doctors and nurses, do their jobs very well but only when proper management and chief executive officers are in place can any hospital function properly. It is up to the board and management of the hospital to make sure that things are in order. The audit and the RTÉ programme truly identify the need for all hospitals to provide correct information.

I appreciate Deputy Kelleher's knowledge and his recommendations based on the audit. I spent some time with him on the Oireachtas health committee and he was always very straight in bringing issues to the fore. We all know there are many cases around the country where personal stories have been highlighted and have in many ways clarified for those of us in government and in other parties how important it is to act on emergencies. I have taken note of Deputy Kelleher's concerns and will highlight them for the Minister who may give the Deputy a response to some of them.

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