Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and the Minister of State for their statements, but after what has happened at Children's Health Ireland statements are not enough. Questions need to be answered. Children were harmed, families were failed and trust was shattered by this Government. For the Minister to offer only words today, she should be subject to questions in the Dáil, and answer those questions that arose during this debate alone.

Independent Ireland has said plainly that this is not just a failure of hospitals and the HSE; it is a failure of Government. It is a failure of Government oversight and leadership. While families were crying out for help, the State turned away. While warning signs flashed red, those in charge chose delay over duty and confusion over clarity. This is not just misfortune. This is mismanagement that is serious, systemic and utterly shameful. The public demand more than just an apology. They demand action and accountability. We must have a proper investigation, not run by insiders or for political convenience, but a real, fearless examination of what has gone wrong and who exactly is responsible. Not one more scandal must be buried, not one more child must be failed and not one more family left to fight alone. The measure of a country is how it treats its vulnerable. Today, that measure of this Government and this country stands condemned.

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