Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of disciplinary actions initiated against staff who were involved in cases subsequently examined by the Independent Child Death Review Group; the results of these actions; if further reviews have been undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40718/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The matter of disciplinary actions against employees of the Health Service Executive is one for the HSE to address as the relevant employer. I am seeking clarification from the National Director for Children and Family Services on the issues raised by the Deputy.

It is important to note that the Independent Child Death Review Group conducted what was in essence a desktop review of HSE files. This was in accordance with the terms of reference for the Group. The Group did not interview staff and did not make specific findings regarding individual staff members. Consequently right of reply or opportunity was not afforded to the HSE, or indeed any of the service providers engaged with the deceased, to respond to the report’s findings in relation to matters reported on. The purpose of the review was to establish how these children and young adults died and to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s involvement. Its purpose was to see how systems can be strengthened, rather than to establish culpability.

I will revert to the Deputy when matters have been clarified.