Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise a very serious issue. This morning we heard that a further 57 families have received an apology from the HSE in respect of audiology failures. I have been working very closely with a number of the families affected. Some 49 families got an apology last June. Some 106 families have been affected by audiology misdiagnosis. I know many of these families because they have contacted me. I have been working with those parents since last August to set up cross-departmental supports to ensure that these children, who have had a difficult start, are able to access their full potential. This involves a working group with representation from the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills, because a lot of the challenges are in the area of education supports, and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

We are not seeing the progress we need in supporting these children and their parents, who have been failed by the HSE and the State. I have a lot more to say on it and I would like a debate on the matter in this House. Finally, we need to see evidence of accountability for these failings. This morning we have seen an additional 57 cases of misdiagnosis. We are told that this audiologist is no longer working in the catchment area of community healthcare organisation, CHO, 2. I want to know if this individual has been brought to account, because I have not seen any evidence of this. These parents are genuine people who want the best for their children and we are not seeing progress on this issue.