Paul Murphy criticises government over paediatric inquiry delay

Paul Murphy accused the Government of using the occasion of Pascal Donoghue moving on to avoid answering questions, and said paediatric care statements must be converted into questions and answers. He urged a statutory inquiry into care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida and raised concerns about a Cabinet memo he understood was expected to be signed off.

Immediate accusation

Paul Murphy opened by calling it "pretty shameless" for the Government to use Pascal Donoghue's departure as a pretext to avoid answering questions in the Dáil, pressing for a proper response from Deputies.

Paediatric statements and Q&A

He said statements on paediatric care should be made into questions and answers, noting that he and others had pushed for that change at the Business Committee to allow for direct scrutiny.

Statutory inquiry demand

Murphy reiterated a long-standing push for a statutory inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida, stressing the need for formal investigation and accountability.

Cabinet memo status and confusion

He reported that a memo was understood to be due to go to Cabinet and expected to be signed off, but said he had heard it was not signed off at Cabinet that day. He referenced Deputy Michael Collins in relation to the matter and said questions should be permitted on it.

Scheduling and questions to the Taoiseach

Murphy asked that the courtesy of a response be allowed and noted the revised schedule would maintain business. He recorded that the Taoiseach will take his questions tomorrow instead of today and concluded with the words "Goeibh maith aga, Cian Ghoorla."