Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

When one is dealing with some of these matters, one must have regard to natural justice and the factual position. I am quite clear that I have no evidence that there was any impropriety that is alleged there and collusion on the part of people to go to the US around the St. Patrick's Day weekend. I must deal with the factual position. I cannot get into the realm of speculation. My predecessor and I have interrogated the matters and I am satisfied that the number of trips from 2003 to 2010 was ten. The independent reports I have received indicate that they were relevant to the problems addressed within the Irish health service at that time. The joint composition staff-management union was the norm for partnership. I assure the Deputy that we will be very careful in future about these trips.

We must also bear in mind that the country was seen as a model for industrial peace at that time and that we were seeking to develop a different model of health care through the HSE. It would be unfair to single out one official of my Department who is an honourable public servant of the highest integrity and has served his country with distinction for over 35 years without any blemish on his record.