Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

Yes. In relation to the trip to Savannah, Georgia, in March of 2008, the particular focus of that trip was on conflict and resolution management and they went to the Sullivan University in Kentucky. They also looked at union management engagement experiences in the context of change because at that point the United States had significant experience of similar situations that existed in Ireland. We must remember that in 2008 we were also facing further reforms of the health system and very significant reforms were planned and under way in areas such as cancer treatment services, acute hospital services and so on. I have the detail, which I am happy to give the Deputy, which clearly would establish that there were benefits. The people involved on the Department of Health side would have been people who would have proven track records in the area of conflict resolution, change management and dealing with some very difficult situations that occur from time to time in the health system. We have had a history of significant industrial relation disputes through that period and subsequent to those visits. I am satisfied that there would have been a significant value accruing to the country arising and benefiting from the experience in Savannah, Georgia.