Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

At the outset, this is a difficult debate in which to participate. However, I thank Members for their contributions and the dignified way in which they made them.

I would like to repeat something I said earlier in regard to the report of a steering group, which was established in 2004. That group was representative of all the key professionals and stakeholders. It included consultant representations from both hospitals, including the disciplines of surgery, medicine and radiology. The steering group recommended that major and emergency surgery should be carried out in Cavan General Hospital and that Monaghan General Hospital should provide selective elective surgery. It is important to note that in making the recommendation, the group took account of the expert advice received from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. I am aware that all Members who participated were not present when I said this.

Monaghan General Hospital is on medical call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and medical emergencies can call to the hospital. Surgical emergencies must go to Cavan or Drogheda, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland supported these arrangements. These decisions were not taken lightly. Much thought and consideration went into them and they were supported by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

A number of questions have been raised, not just by Members of this House, but by people throughout the country. I am sure the Walsh family, in particular, will be anxious to have answers to many of the questions asked here today. Some of them would be best left to Mr. Carey in his inquiry. Senator Hayes asked when did the Tánaiste become aware of the availability of a bed. She learned from the HSE on Tuesday that a bed was available in Cavan General Hospital on the night in question. She informed the House at the first opportunity, which was during Question Time on Tuesday afternoon.

The big question is who was in charge of Mr. Walsh's care and the responsibilities surrounding it. I have no doubt that the answer will be provided in the report. Senator Norris referred to the interview with Professor Drumm, who indicated his disquiet at what happened and his determination that the HSE should take responsibility for trying to ensure that such a tragic event would not happen again.

A number of questions were raised in regard to Mr. Walsh's medical condition and the appropriate treatment. These matters will be examined by Mr. Carey. While people would like answers soon, it has been agreed that the report will not take longer than eight weeks. I wish to make it clear that the only reason for setting up the inquiry is to uncover the full facts behind this very sad story. It is the least the family of Mr. Walsh deserve, and we will ensure it happens. Given that they live so close to the hospital, I appreciate that it is a great tragedy for my colleagues, Senator O'Brien and Senator Wilson, and for the people in the locality who are saddened at what happened. I appreciate their need to have a number of answers as soon as possible.

Senator Ryan appeared to be second guessing what may be contained in the report. If he wants to make these judgments, he should feel free to do so but, in fairness, we should wait for the report to emerge. In order to guarantee the independence of the report, we have gone outside to appoint a consultant surgeon from Belfast, Mr. Carey. I hope the full facts will emerge from the inquiry.

With regard to the terms of reference, Mr. Carey has been asked to examine all the circumstances covering the period commencing with the admission of Mr. Walsh to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, which took place on 21 September, until his sad death in Monaghan General Hospital on 14 October. The Tánaiste is as anxious as everyone else to have answers to the questions raised both inside and outside the House. I thank Members again for their contributions and the manner in which they dealt with this very difficult issue.