Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
541. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he plans to take legal action arising from a programme (details supplied) in relation to alleged activities in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/21]
View answerI have taken the allegations made in the RTÉ Investigates broadcast of 25th March extremely seriously, and the distress this has caused.
The Report of the Department of Health team set up to establish the facts in respect of specific allegations by RTÉ Primetime Investigates Programme was published on 21st April. This report deals with each of the allegations made in the programme and related articles on the website.
This Report is clear that the Department of Health has never gathered sensitive medical and educational information on children involved in court cases in the manner portrayed by RTE.
There is no evidence that the Department of Health was secretly compiling dossiers on children with autism involved in Special Educational Needs litigation as alleged.
The Department of Health does not have any plans to take legal action arising from the programme.
