Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator, who has raised some interesting, thoughtful and welcome suggestions. I agree with her that every person who uses disability services in this country is entitled to receive care of the highest standard and to live in dignity and safety. It is their right and it is our obligation to ensure their safety and care are paramount.

Like the Senator, I welcome the actions taken by the HSE to date to strengthen the governance of safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the State, as I set out in my opening statement. As I stated earlier, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is independent in its decision-making process. No other person or body, such as the Government, can be involved in the process of deciding whether to prosecute. There has been no engagement between the DPP and the Minister's office or the Department regarding the DPP's decision.

We all recognise that phase 1 of the commission of investigation has taken longer than anticipated. The large number of interviewees, agencies and correspondence to be considered by the commission is recognised. Phase 2 will commence following consideration of the phase 1 final report and the commission's written statement on the scope of its further investigations. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, continue to keep the work of the commission under review.

I again thank the Senator raising this important issue for discussion today.