John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Minister for Health when the HSE report relative to a care home in the south east and a case (details supplied) will be published; when the inquiry into the same matters will commence; the timeline involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5506/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The reports referred to by the Deputy relate to the case of Grace, a pseudonym for the young woman who resided in a former foster home in the South East which is the subject of abuse allegations. It has been my view from the outset that the HSE-commissioned reports by Conal Devine and Resilience Ireland which are related to this case should be published as soon as possible.

I conveyed this view to the HSE on 1 November 2016, asking them to re-examine the issues around the publication of the two reports and to give serious consideration to publishing both reports, appropriately redacted. This followed the review by Conor Dignam SC which recommended further engagement between the HSE and An Garda Síochána regarding publication.

Following a meeting between senior officials of the HSE and An Garda Síochána, the HSE has confirmed that it intends to publish redacted versions of both reports before the end of February. Arrangements are being put in place by the HSE to ensure the contents of both reports are conveyed in a meaningful way to service users with varying degrees of disability. Given the potential impact of the reports on service users, their families and the employees of relevant agencies, a communications plan is also being developed by the HSE and dedicated teams are being put in place to provide all necessary assistance and supports to those impacted by the publication of both reports.

I wish to reiterate that the Government, for its part, is fully committed to the earliest possible establishment of the Commission of Investigation into the matters addressed by the reports. In that regard work is ongoing to frame appropriate Terms of Reference which can deliver answers in a timely manner. The Government will be guided by legal advice to ensure that the Commission of Investigation can and will be established in a way which will enable it to do its work correctly and efficiently.