Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will have a further discussion next year with the chief executive of HIQA, Ms Tracey Cooper, on operational matters rather than on the corporate plan, as well as with Mr. McEnery as chairman. The Senator's point is well made.

I would like to thank Mr. McEnery and Mr. Whelan for coming in here today. It is important that we recognise the role of HIQA. We do not all agree with Senator Crown's comment that it is the armed wing of the HSE. It does play an important role in improving the outcomes for people who use our health services and our social care services. I wish Mr. McEnery every success in his tenure as chairman. I sincerely thank the staff of HIQA, in particular Mr. Marty Whelan, head of communications and Ms Tracey Cooper, chief executive. I wish them both well and I thank Mr. Whelan for continuing to disseminate information to us at all hours of the day and night.

I would like to remind committee members that we are meeting next Thursday morning with the health insurers, and we will have a small section in private session to deal with our work programme and our minutes and correspondence.