Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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2322. To ask the Minister for Health the number of legal firms corresponded with by his Department arising from a recent television programme (details supplied); the number of files identified in his Department impacted by the activity uncovered in the television programme; the timeline for the investigation into this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/21]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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2323. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the independent liaison officer appointed to investigate and report on matters raised in a recent television programme (details supplied); the timeline for the investigation and report; if the report will be published; if he will give assurances as to the independence of the inquiry; if he will publish the terms of reference for the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20587/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2322 and 2323 together.

I take the allegations made in recent media reports including the RTÉ Investigates broadcast of 25 March extremely seriously. I know that the headlines generated will have caused distress for some families.

The Report of the Department of Health team set up to establish the facts in respect of specific allegations by RTÉ Primetime Investigates Programme was published this morning. This report deals with each of the allegations made in the programme and related articles on the website.

This Report is clear that the Department of Health has never gathered sensitive medical and educational information on children involved in court cases in the manner portrayed in recent media reports.

There is no evidence that the Department of Health was secretly compiling dossiers on children with autism involved in Special Educational Needs litigation as alleged.

I welcome an inquiry by the Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is currently investigating data collection practices regarding the cases. My Department looks forward to the findings of this review and, where necessary, will make improvements based on their recommendations?.

The Department of Health has appointed an Independent Support Liaison Officer to engage directly with the 29 families involved in open Special Educational Needs litigation related to these allegations. These families are being contacted through the solicitor on file offering the opportunity to engage directly with the Independent Support Liaison Officer.