I propose to take Questions Nos. 436, 443 and 469 to 471, inclusive, together.
At the outset I might point out that the HIQA investigation into the infant deaths in Portlaoise Hospital is not a child protection issue.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established by the Health Act 2007 with responsibility for driving quality, safety and accountability in residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2007 HIQA has carried out its monitoring and inspection functions in a manner that has earned public confidence and trust for its independence and impartiality.
This independence and impartiality is essential to ensuring that its findings and conclusions are complete, and to ensure that its findings are robust and provide the greatest possible learning from any investigation. It is essential that there is confidence in the reliability and accuracy of HIQA findings on the part of the patients and families concerned in particular investigations but also on the part of the healthcare providers and staff who participate in the investigation and at whom findings and recommendations are directed.
In undertaking an investigation under the Health Act 2007 HIQA, at its own instigation or at the request of the Minister for Health, sets the terms of reference for the investigation based on the purpose and circumstances of the investigation. There is no legislative requirement on HIQA to submit draft investigation reports to the HSE in advance of publication. However, it is completely accepted as best practice and due process that relevant parts of drafts of investigation reports and findings are circulated to relevant individuals who participate in investigations before reports are finalised for publication. Any investigation report requires a robust factual accuracy checking process and natural justice and due process procedure.
As Minister for Health I fully respect the statutory independence of HIQA to carry out its functions in an independent and impartial manner. I intend building on that independence and public confidence by seeking to extend and strengthen the regulatory remit of the Authority in the area of healthcare services in the future. I intend bringing proposals to Cabinet in this regard shortly.
The exchequer funding provided to HIQA in the years 2012 to 2015 is as follows:
2012 - €9.000m (Out-turn);
2013 - €10.000m (Out-turn);
2014 - €9.400m (Out-turn); and
2015 - €12.358m (Allocation).
