Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will state who the members of the independent review group on child deaths will be; when these persons will be appointed; and the timescale for the work of this group. [26813/10]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the independent review group on child deaths has been allocated a budget; and if so, if any has been spent to date. [26814/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

The Independent Review Group on Child Deaths was established on 8 March 2010 and commenced work on April 28th 2010. The Group is composed of Ms Norah Gibbons and Mr. Geoffrey Shannon. A third independent person of international standing will be appointed when an initial examination of documentation has been completed by the two appointed members. The Group's report will be presented to me and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published. It is intended that the Group will complete its review within a period of six months.

The Review Group has commenced work and a budget has been approved in respect of their work. Invoices paid to date in respect of set up costs amount to €1120.01. Ms Gibbons and the Administrative Assistant to the Group are employees of Barnardo's who are to be reimbursed accordingly. Mr Shannon is to be paid an agreed stipend to cover his participation.