Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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672. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure there is an immediate independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) [3143/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I understand from the HSE that a disability service provider is currently investigating the circumstances of the tragic death of a special needs child who was receiving respite care from it on 5th January 2013. The investigation is being carried out using the HSE Guideline for Systems Analysis Investigation of Incidents and Complaints, which has been designed to guide investigators in conducting robust investigations using the systems analysis method and good investigation practice.

The Guideline applies to any investigation of incidents that result in death or serious harm and aim to ensure that such investigations are valid, reliable and generalisable and carried out in line with principles of open disclosure and a just culture.

I have been assured by the HSE that a report will be prepared as quickly as possible and that it will be examined by officials in the HSE as soon as it is available. In the circumstances and pending the outcome of the investigation, I do not propose to make any further comment on the matter.