Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am disgusted as I rise. As a Member of this House and as a mother, I am stuck to find the appropriate language on this issue. I welcome that this debate is taking place but I am disgusted that it is necessary. I must question what on earth HIQA is doing. If it did its job properly, would half of the sorry excuses for acute settings we have in this country even pass the test?

I commend the advocacy group 221+, representatives of which were here with Deputy Kelly last week. What we are discussing here today further reminds us of why the patient safety Act is so vitally important. I commend the 221+ group on its work to that end. I highlight that implementation is always the end goal and until that work is at that stage, it is unfinished.

Will the Government please finally listen to, and take heed of, the overarching message that patients and advocacy groups are the most important groups in any health scandal, especially in times of crisis, which is what we have here. Lessons must be learned by the Government. Patients and advocacy groups should be given the utmost respect, compassion and civility. They must be central from the moment we become aware of a crisis until the terms of reference of an inquiry are set. We must almost take them by the hand in response to the difficulties they have faced. Any advocacy group having to take to social media platforms in an effort to secure a meeting with the Minister at these times is truly difficult to swallow. Any delay in response causes a reaction. Will the Government please bear that in mind?

I extend my heartfelt condolences and those of the people of Clare to Michael and Bridget, the parents of Dollceanna Carter. There are no words I can say, only that I hope the Minister can bring them justice. My thoughts are, of course, with all of the families who have been impacted by this issue.

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