Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I called for a debate in this House to address the crises in the mid-west region, with a particular focus on the hospital in Limerick in light of the continued reporting of the Aoife Johnston case. I am conscious we may be nearing the end of our time here under this mandate. If it is not possible to organise a debate with the Minister that is obviously somewhat understandable. I add my voice to the voice of Aoife Johnston's family in calling for a public inquiry. I am around the Oireachtas for almost 20 years now and I do not call for public inquiries lightly. I can certainly never be accused of jumping on a bandwagon about that. When you look at the detail in Mr. Justice Clarke's report that looked into this case, and when you look at the complex issues that have arisen, the very clear observation is that the hospital operates in silos. It is not just about funding, which is important. It is not just about the lack of beds, which is a feature. It seems that some systemic issues have resulted in what happened here and in a number of other cases. I am conscious that Martin Abbott also died in the hospital in circumstances that have not yet been explained. It is important that we address the cultural issues in the hospital. While an internal disciplinary process within the HSE has identified five or seven people - whatever the number is - who are in some state of animated suspension and whose future will be discussed at a later stage, it would be wrong if just a small number of people were held to account. I think the issues are wider and more systemic. There is a cultural issue that needs to be addressed. I do not think disciplinary action on its own will resolve that. More money and more beds alone will not sort it, although they will help to resolve many of the issues. I ask if we can find time to debate this matter among ourselves. It is time for such a debate. I am conscious there are Members on the other side of the House who share my views here. Maybe we can have a motion from this House that would support the establishment of a public inquiry into the death of Aoife Johnston, and not just because the family have asked for it.