Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot be any clearer with the Deputy on this. We first need to ascertain the facts. We need to ensure that we have absolute clarity as to what has happened, how many people are involved and how we make sure this never happens again. At the same time, we need to ensure that, where families need follow-on care and further information and clinical support, that is provided. The Minister for Health could not be any clearer in the commentary she has made over the past number of months. We will provide any support that families and children need, going as far back as 2010. That year was chosen because 15 years is the skeletal reference age at which a child's bone density matures. Those are the parameters that have been chosen. Any child and his or her family within that timeframe will be provided with support. That is why those letters were written initially. Many of those families will have had continued engagement. Many of those families where surgeries happened years ago will have been engaging with their teams and will have had that support. However, for those who have not - I accept there are those who might not have and who do not know whether the operations should have happened or not - we need to ensure that we find that information as quickly as possible. Without a shadow of a doubt, they will get the assistance and medical support they need if this has not been done correctly.

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