Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2020-09-24
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Peadar Tóibín (AON), Meath West

Mary Bartley Meehan lost her son and husband to Covid-19 in Kilbrew nursing home within six weeks of each other. She was recently shown a video of her husband before he died. The side of Ultan's face was discoloured with black, congealed blood. His nails were long and black as he had, unknown to himself, been picking his facial tumours and, as a result, his face had become infected. Shockingly, his face was infested with maggots.
Months after this happened, Mary has sought an investigation by asking the Minister for Health, the Department of Health, the HSE and HIQA for one. All have refused such an investigation. My colleague, Councillor Emer Tóibín in Meath, wrote to the Ombudsman and asked his office to investigate. He sent a letter in reply today, indicating that he has once again raised this issue of extending the remit of his office to include clinical judgment. He states the vast majority of cases relating to the healthcare sector involve some element of clinical judgment. He states it is a matter of frustration to him that complaints like these cannot be addressed by his office.
Will the Minister guarantee that somebody will take responsibility for this and carries out an investigation? Will the Government look to extend the remit of the Ombudsman?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2020-09-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:48:36+00:00
Sitting date: 2020-09-24