Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

We all agree that the healthcare system, in particular children's healthcare, should be managed according to patient need, and not institutional need. As the Taoiseach has acknowledged, that has been a failing in the past. We welcome his commitment to engagement between the Minister and parents on the shape of the inquiry. Transparency must be at the heart of the inquiry for parents.

Coming back to CHI and the institutional change that has now been announced, back in April our health spokesperson, Deputy Sherlock, called for the HSE to take over the running of CHI. That was in response to the HIQA report detailing myriad failings: a failure to provide care, the use of non-surgical springs and a toxic internal culture. We all recall this. At that time, the Taoiseach expressed confidence in the board. Since then, the Minister and Bernard Gloster have said that they were kept in the dark about aspects of the reports into CHI. We are all wondering what changed the Taoiseach's mind. Why are we now bringing CHI under the remit of the HSE?

See this speech in context