Vol. 575 No. 5
139 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has cancelled two meetings with Patient Focus on the Dr. Neary inquiry; his plans to reschedule the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28657/03]
140 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children the name of the person who he will appoint to the Dr. Neary inquiry; when the appointment will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28658/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.
I again met with representatives from Patient Focus on 25 November 2003. I took the opportunity to apologise to the group for the unavoidable cancellation of the two previously scheduled meetings. I informed the group that Judge Maureen Harding Clark has been selected to chair an inquiry into the issues raised by the report of the fitness to practise committee of the Medical Council into the practice of Dr. Michael Neary.
The format of the inquiry and its terms of reference are the subject of discussions between the Department and the Office of the Attorney General and I expect to be in a position to bring proposals before Cabinet shortly. I will continue to liaise with Patient Focus on its progress
