Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We recently had a very moving debate on the report into the activities of Dr. Neary in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. Members on all sides share the same kinds of views. We were appalled at the hardship, trauma and suffering imposed on those women who went to have their children in that hospital. We looked at the recommendations of the learned judge who produced the report — I do not recall anybody objecting to any one of them — and we asked for them to be implemented. It now transpires that the judge has made a return trip to the hospital to discover what kind of action has been taken on foot of the recommendations. We find, appallingly, that whereas the hospital has made a serious effort to implement what was required of it at hospital authority level and staff level within the hospital, the HSE has done nothing whatever to implement the recommendations of the report.

Considering that the report galvanised this country and shocked all of us, it is absolutely incredible that nothing would be done. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, would be within her rights to demand an explanation from the HSE as to why nothing has been done. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with the Tánaiste how the recommendations of the report will be implemented and what action she proposes to take, or can take, to ensure they will be implemented. I look forward to an early debate on that.