Niamh Smyth
Question:625. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence (details supplied); if he can provide an update on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8026/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (625)
Written answers
I thank the Deputy for her question and her interest in this important matter. The Deputy will be aware of my own support of the call from OACS Ireland for an inquiry, and it is my intention to ensure the establishment of the inquiry is progressed.
Work is actively ongoing in my Department in relation to sourcing an appropriate person to Chair the inquiry, and the Deputy will appreciate that this is a sensitive matter. The Chair is an essential role that needs careful consideration. The role requires an experienced person who will run a fair and independent process, and who can give the inquiry the time and attention it deserves.
Over recent months, my Department has worked to identify and to approach candidates deemed suitable, on the basis of criteria discussed with OACS and Epilepsy Ireland, but this has not succeeded to date. The next step in progressing this is the publication of an expression of interest communication which is scheduled to be advertised via the www.publicjobs.ie portal in the immediate weeks ahead. This campaign aims to attract interested and suitably qualified candidates; from which cohort an interview process is planned to determine the most appropriate candidate from any applications received.
I will be glad to provide an update on this matter once this work is finalised.