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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Family Planning clinics investigation

Summary

Mattie McGrath challenges the handling of an investigation into Family Planning clinics, alleging people were encouraged to mislead doctors and that no sanctions followed. The Minister initially seeks clarification and then says the report was published the previous day.

Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I call Deputy Mattie McGrath. As only a few minutes remain I ask him to be brief.

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In view of the recent scandal, the Pro Life Campaign has today commented on Mr. Tony O'Brien's remarks about the value of undercover investigators, yet when the Pro Life Campaign learned what the Family Planning Association was doing undercover Mr. O'Brien rubbished it. We are waiting for a report for two years on the issue. Now we are told an audit is required and that no action will be taken against the staff who actually lied, and asked people to tell lies, and there was no investigation by the HSE. How can we have faith in such matter? I ask the Minister under the Health Information Bill-----

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Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

More lies.

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They told people to lie about their condition to their GPs and there was no investigation.

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Will the Deputy say that outside the House?

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Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Sorry, will Deputy McGrath please withdraw the word, otherwise I will have to suspend the House.

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No. They told people to do that and there was no investigation. This was the same Mr. O'Brien-----

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Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Sorry, Deputy, please withdraw the word "lie".

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People were asked to say untruths to their doctors.

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Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Does the Minister know anything about this?

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I have no idea what the Deputy is asking.

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He should have an idea, as should the Minister beside him. It concerns the investigation by the HSE into what happened at the Family Planning clinics, which gave out untruths to people. It is now being dismissed with no further investigation.

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Now that we know what the Deputy is seeking, the Minister for Health informs me that report was published yesterday.

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Yes, but there is no investigation and no sanctions, nothing.

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