Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Dr James Reilly TD, said today (Friday) that suggestions that the X-ray scandal at Tallaght Hospital may have occurred elsewhere is extremely disturbing.

Deputy Reilly added that the absence of Minister Harney is only adding to the information vacuum.

“The CEO of each hospital in Ireland must now make a public statement confirming there are no X-rays unreported by consultant radiologists at each hospital.

“The hospital CEO’s should know, the medical directors should know and the patients of these hospitals are entitled to know whether their X-rays have been read by the appropriate specialist, a consultant radiologist. This will go a long way to reassuring and allaying any anxiety they may have.

“An investigation of the Tallaght scandal must be carried out by an independent body who have not been involved to date. This precludes the HSE, HIQA or the Department of Health. Its term of reference must be clear and it should report to the Oireachtas in a reasonable time frame, i.e. three months.

“Finally, media reports suggest the issue of unopened referrals was discussed at a Tallaght Board Meeting in May 2009. I am requesting the publication of these minutes in their original form as they do not appear to be on the hospital's website.”