Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

An expert witness from outside of the State advised the coroner, which I have always believed is essential. I have never believed that we should investigate ourselves. Such independent expertise from outside the State is crucial. The answer reads badly in so far as it appears as though the case has been investigated and we are moving on. That is not quite what will happen. A whole new process is now in place to examine critical incidents or things that should not have happened to make sure that lessons are learned and that, in the event that any other child or adult presents in such circumstances, a process is in place to ensure that everything is picked up on. It is not simply a case of the matter being discussed at the next meeting. It is a process, and different processes will be put in place to ensure this does not happen again. As I have said, none of us can guarantee the future, something on which we can all agree. In the event that it is possible to ensure that events such as this do not happen again, the process is now being worked on.