Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
672. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details and dates of correspondence received from the HSE or Children’s Health Ireland regarding a report (details supplied); and if she will provide Dáil Éireann or the Committee on Health with a copy of the report. [35198/25]
View answer673. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details of a report (details supplied); whether she has sought or received this report from Children’s Health Ireland; and if she will provide Dáil Éireann or the Committee on Health with a copy of the report. [35199/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 673 together.
On 26 May, the 2022 internal examination was provided to the Department from the HSE. On the same day, I wrote to the Board of CHI requesting a full response to the Report. I received responses from CHI on this matter. CHI advised that the review was conducted in response to concerns and issues raised. The report was accepted by the CHI Board. CHI developed an Action Plan to implement the recommendations, and the majority of actions are complete, with work ongoing on remaining actions.
I have been advised by the Attorney General that I do not have any legal basis to publish this report, and that any publication must be made by CHI. On 16 June, CHI published a summary of findings, recommendations and updates regarding the examination of a particular clinical department in Children’s Health Ireland.
Subsequent to my letter on 26 May requesting a response from the CHI Board to the report, on 18 June I wrote to the CHI Board requesting assurance that the recommendations have been addressed in full. I also emphasised the priority I place on child patient safety issues and asked the Board to report directly to me on the status of the children that may have been impacted.
I have moved to strengthen governance and oversight structures at CHI. This was done via the appointment of two members of the HSE Board to the Board of CHI on 28 May.
The Service Level Agreement between CHI and the HSE has also been strengthened, and there is increased involvement from the Dublin Midlands Regional Executive Officer. Recognising the need to co-ordinate oversight of the range of matters of focus in CHI in a cohesive fashion, the HSE CEO has established the HSE CHI Improvement Steering Group.
These actions are designed to support the new CEO in CHI and enable her to continue with the transformation programme she has started.
