Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When the Taoiseach was asked yesterday about a public inquiry into the practices at CHI, he appeared to rule that out. I believe jumping to that conclusion without considering the facts, the impact and the outcome is a mistake. Parent groups and patient advocates have for many years been calling for transparency and accountability. We have to be clear that there are many fine clinicians across Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght hospitals, but there are also serious concerns. Such is the depth of systemic dysfunction I believe a major inquiry is required.

My question to the Taoiseach concerns one of those inquiries at the moment, which is the Medical Council inquiry into surgeon A. It is taking place behind closed doors. The doctor does not have to appear in person. The families cannot go face to face with the doctor and there is limited access for the media. This is not in the public interest. Some 20 years ago, the patients of Michael Neary fought tooth and nail to have the Medical Council inquiries in public. Covid obviously made the inquiries go online and it is not acceptable five years on that they are still behind closed doors. That needs to change.

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