Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have heard Deputies McDonald and Micheál Martin recount some of their stories. I have also spoken to people who have been affected. It is not right for Deputy McDonald - or any other politician - to appoint herself as the spokesperson for a diverse group of women and families. That is really wrong.

In the context of what the Government is doing today, it is establishing a scoping inquiry. The inquiry will answer as many questions as possible as quickly as possible. We all know people want to get answers as quickly as we can get them, and we want that also. That is why we have decided to establish a scoping inquiry under the leadership of Professor Gabriel Scally, assisted by Dr. Karin Denton. They will examine these issues. Our intention is to have them produce, in June, an outcome answering all the questions that can be answered and establishing the facts that can be established and are not contested. After that, we will follow on with a commission of investigation to look into those matters that cannot be dealt with by means of a short scoping inquiry.

While that scoping inquiry is under way, I will certainly ask people to co-operate with that, respect it and allow these two professionals to get on with their work. Professor Scally is in the country today, and that work begins today.

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