Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that but I cannot but be frustrated on behalf of the people who have suffered in a system that is now heaping abuse onto abuse. I only criticise Tusla because I am quoting from the HIQA and the Charleton reports. Clearly it does good work but in this situation the agency took over from the HSE, which itself is under scrutiny in respect of this. The independent review panel has been engaged in this process since April 2016; it is now February 2019. Mr. Justice Charleton reported within two years. He came back on a regular basis to give the Minister updates yet the independent review panel cannot update her on anything. In reply to previous questions of mine, the Minister said the panel was independent and she could not interfere. Since then, she has clarified that there are issues in respect of the panel further to an independent monitoring process by HIQA which I cannot get my hands on. I would appreciate if the Minister clarified that in respect of governance. At this point I want an assurance that there will be no more delays in the publication of the report in order that we can empower people, particularly those on the ground who have suffered, and that they know there will be accountability.

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