Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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626. To ask the Minister for Health the number of regional and senior management in the Health Service Executive who were aware of the serious difficulties in Portlaoise hospital, County Laois, over the past seven years; the number of these persons who were promoted since; if he is satisfied that this practice continues to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19926/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The recent HIQA Report into Portlaoise Hospital raises serious questions and issues relating to the appropriateness and effectiveness of managerial actions.

These issues will be addressed through HSE internal disciplinary procedures. The Director General of the HSE has confirmed that two review processes will be set up to address the recommendations in HIQA's Report; terms of reference have been drafted. The process will involve external reviewers from outside of the HSE in order to guarantee full independence and transparency. One investigation will explore the clinical issues raised by the families affected and the second will examine managerial decision making and risk management issues raised in the Report. Separate procedures involving external professional regulatory bodies are already underway involving some staff of the hospital.

In the interests of fair procedure and natural justice it would not be appropriate for me to intervene or comment on the process.