Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a request made to him in December 2011 from a cross-party group of north-east based Oireachtas Members to establish a commission of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding allegations of sexual abuse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, from the 1960s to the 1990s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5129/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government's original intention was to facilitate an inquiry by an Oireachtas Committee into the issues referred to by the Deputy. As this approach has not proved possible, I am now examining how best to deal with the issues involved in the case. My Department is currently exploring the options in this regard, including the possibility of a Commission of Investigation under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. I also intend to consult with the Attorney General in view of the complex legal issues involved.