Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

It is now abundantly clear for anyone who wishes to see that clinical governance and governance in general at CHI is absolutely a fiasco. I know that three members of the board have resigned. I put it to the Taoiseach that the remaining members should follow suit because clearly what is needed here now is root-and-branch reform, change, transparency and accountability. I voice concern over the full independence of this reference group from CHI because that is the concern that parents are bringing to us. They have been catastrophically failed. Trust levels are on the floor. This involves perhaps unnecessary surgery on very young children. If the Taoiseach is true to his word that parents and children come first, then absolute independence needs to be given. Can he give us that assurance? Can he also assure us that the case of every child who had surgery since 2010 every will be independently investigated and reviewed?

See this speech in context