Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has said that the CEO of Children’s Health Ireland’s refusal to answer key questions at today’s Oireachtas Health Committee is ‘unacceptable’ and will add to families’ distress.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“The CEO of Children’s Health Ireland’s attendance at the Oireachtas Health Committee today should have been an important opportunity to ensure families get answers they desperately need. Unfortunately, families will have been left frustrated and distressed by Ms Hardiman’s refusal to answer key questions that they deserve answers to.

“I repeatedly asked Ms Hardiman about the procurement process for the non-medical grade springs that appear to have been used. She refused on multiple occasions, despite repeated requests from me. It is not acceptable that Children’s Health Ireland are unwilling to give answers about simple matters of fact.

“CHI cannot hide behind a pending investigation. Families want accountability, transparency and respect.

“CHI must explain urgently how these springs were procured, by whom and who was aware this was happening.”