Ciarán Cannon (Fine Gael)

If we have learned anything from the Ombudsman's report published yesterday it is that co-operation from the HSE officials mentioned by the Minister might not be forthcoming. The Ombudsman said she was led on an Alice in Wonderland-like trail around the system to try to get information to which she is entitled. She remarked that there is something rotten within the system. To deny the inquiry the power to compel people to appear before it and to ask them questions pertinent to the inquiry renders it toothless. On that basis, we will press the amendment.