Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What was wrong with this round? Why was it not done this time? For the purpose of this discussion I am accepting the argument about Mr. Kiely's remuneration. There was no doubt whatever from what I can see - the witness may correct me if I am wrong - as to the procedures that should have been followed in the recruitment of Mr. Kiely's successor. To Mr. Kiely's credit, on 24 April 2013, Mr. Goulding, the then chairman of the board, had written to Ms McGuinness to state that "Mr. Kiely has told us of his intention to retire at some time in the coming months and we are initiating the process of identifying [a successor]". Mr. Kiely was not running off into the sunset but he was giving the Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, the time to fill the vacancy appropriately. I am not an expert in service arrangements but according to two performance notices, clause 16 was not complied with, clause 3.2(c)(v) was not complied with, clause 9 was not complied with and there are concerns about section 38 of the Health Act. Perhaps Ms McGuinness or Mr. O'Brien might cast some light on the non-compliance and why the HSE felt it necessary to take what witnesses have termed an "unprecedented" move.