Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1150. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of governance reviews, internal investigations, external audits, and independent reports commissioned by her Department or the HSE into Children’s Health Ireland since 2019; the status of each review; whether each report has been completed, published, or withheld; the reasons for any non-publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very cognisant of the challenges CHI has faced in recent years and am actively driving multiple efforts to address these. This includes strengthening governance and oversight, driving down waiting times, and ensuring increased engagement and timely communications with families of patients. On 18 November 2025, the Government agreed to a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services. As an initial step, the Government agreed that a facilitator will be appointed to consult with stakeholders on scoping the content of potential terms of reference for an inquiry. I am actively engaging with the Attorney General and key stakeholders to appoint a senior counsel who will lead the scoping exercise. I aim to confirm the facilitator as soon as possible so that this important process can begin.The HSE CEO has established the CHI Improvement Steering Group to co-ordinate oversight of the range of matters of focus in CHI, including the implementation of recommendations from completed reviews and upcoming reports. This group, chaired by the REO Dublin Midlands, meets on a monthly basis. As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
