Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
445. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether the planned statutory inquiry into CHI will include all matters previously examined in internal or external reviews; and to provide copies of those reviews to ensure full transparency in the development of the Terms of Reference. [50333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appointed Mr Remy Farrell, Senior Counsel as the independent facilitator for the Children’s Health Ireland Inquiry into Spina Bifida and Complex Scoliosis Services Scoping Exercise. I remain committed to supporting the facilitation process and encourage all stakeholders to engage fully with the facilitator as his work continues.
The scoping exercise is considering existing information, consulting with stakeholders, seeking to avoid duplication with other relevant reports or statutory processes and will make recommendations regarding the scope, breadth and format of an inquiry and the content of potential terms of reference.
Work commenced on Tuesday 3 March 2026 initially running for up to 16 weeks. The Facilitator wrote to me last week requesting an extension to conduct his scoping exercise, in particular, to attempt to further reengage with stakeholders. I granted this request until 18th August.
There have been calls for access to a number of reports. Officials in me Department have engaged with the facilitator on the necessary material required for his scoping exercise. My Department has provided him with a number of publicly available reports as part of his work including the completed Boston Report, HIQA Review, DDH Audit and most recently the HSE audit on governance and equity in patient access and waiting list management. The facilitator has reached out to CHI with regard access to other reports commissioned by them.
Once the scoping exercise is complete, further Government approval will be sought for the final terms of reference. The inquiry will form a part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.
