Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very important that the views of all Oireachtas Members - including those of Senator Daly - should be brought to the attention of the Minister. The Minister stands over the reply because it comes from him. Notwithstanding what the Senator stated, the most important aspect to note is that there will be a meeting with representatives from the advocacy group tomorrow. In other words, the people involved, who have deep, abiding and very real concerns, will be met and the issues outlined by the Senator - who also has concerns - will be dealt with tomorrow and will be the subject of direct answers from the Minister.

Another important point is that the existing requirements did not allow for the capture of the data which the Senator, quite rightly, is seeking. Under the new requirements, future registration will capture more defined information in respect of those who are working and practising in this specific area. I am satisfied that the solution to this problem is contained in the relevant legislation, which was passed in 2011. In other words, the lacuna in our knowledge is being filled. Information on the counties from which the patients come is not provided but statistics are supplied with regard to the hospitals at which they presented and had procedures carried out. The data gap is quite small and really relates to patients' point of origin. We are aware of the number involved and the hospitals where they were treated. However, we do not know if patients had tracheostomies in place when they were discharged. These are all important matters. I am assured that no one was allowed to leave the hospital without the proper discharge protocols being observed and adequate and proper care policies being in place.