Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1152. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department accepts that significant questions raised by Members of the Oireachtas and by Oireachtas Committees in relation to Children’s Health Ireland remain unanswered; the steps which have been taken to ensure full and timely disclosure to Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6561/26]
View answer1155. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the instructions or guidance which have been issued by her Department to Children’s Health Ireland regarding transparency, cooperation with parliamentary scrutiny, and disclosure of information to Oireachtas Members; the way compliance with these obligations is monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6564/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1152 and 1155 together.
As per Standing Order 104, Oireachtas Committees have the power to:
• require that the Chairperson designate of a body or agency under the aegis of a Department shall, prior to his or her appointment, attend before the Select Committee to discuss his or her strategic priorities for the role
• require that principal office-holders of a? (a) State body within the responsibility of a Government Department, or (b) non-State body, which is partly funded by the State, shall attend meetings of the Select Committee, as appropriate, to discuss issues for which they are officially responsible.
In fulfilment of these relevant powers, Children's Health Ireland has appeared before Public Accounts Committee three times and the Joint Committee on Health twice between 2023 and 2025. Further, the Chairperson of Children's Health Ireland also appeared before the Joint Committee on Health in 2025 to discuss her proposed appointment to the role.
