Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand where the Minister of State is coming from and the restrictions of the sub judicerule, but there is not very much new in the document provided by the Minister of State. It has been the subject of questions and discussions in the other House. For example, the document does not address the need for an apology. I have discussed this with Councillor Geoghegan. We cannot see why we are not settling this case. There is a real danger, as we have seen in other cases, that the Department of Health will understandably defend the taxpayers' perspective, because that is what is involved here, and fight these cases. However, it seems to me that the type of fighting that is going on is unnecessary. These people are in their early 60s. Many of their parents are now deceased. The time has surely come for us to take a step.

I want to know, first, can we give them an apology? It is the least they can expect. Second, there was a meeting arranged with the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, last January. I understand why it was postponed. God knows, the pressure on the Department of Health is huge. Can there be another meeting? It is the least these people could expect. It would be a fair thing to do.