Simon Coveney: Stopping probes could ‘backfire’

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said the Government cannot direct Oireachtas committees to stop investigating the cervical cancer scandal, despite the concerns of an independent expert examining the crisis that the dual questioning is distracting witnesses.

Mr Coveney said any attempts by ministers to freeze Oireachtas committee investigations into what has happened could “backfire”. His comments came 24 hours after scoping review chairman Dr Gabriel Scally requested leeway to allow him to do his work.

Mr Coveney said he understood Dr Scally’s reasoning for writing to Department of Health secretary general Jim Breslin asking him to stop committees questioning witnesses.