It has come to light, thanks to The Ditch, that an audit has taken place into the hip surgeries on children in three hospitals. This follows serious concerns from a whistleblower that needless surgeries were taking place. The report, published by The Ditch, shows that, in the leaked report, in Cappagh, 79% of the surgeries did not meet the required threshold, in Temple Street, it was 60%, and in Crumlin, it was 2%. Will the Taoiseach publish this report? Will he confirm the contents of the report? Will the Taoiseach engage with the families and what other actions will he take? The public, children, their parents and their families need to have confidence in the system. We need transparency and accountability and we need to ensure the highest medical standards are upheld.

My understanding is that a clinical audit is being conducted by an external international expert on surgery for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip across CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh. Development dysplasia of the hip is a problem with the way a baby's hip joint forms and some children with DDH may require surgery. The purpose of this audit is to assess that surgical practice was in line with international standards and practices. The audit process is now in its final stages. CHI and Cappagh, I understand, are committed, and should be committed, to sharing the findings of the audit once it is completed and to communicate that, in particular, with the relevant families and patients in accordance with any recommendations from the final report. We have not seen the final report yet. It is awaited before any conclusions can be drawn on the matter.