James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer is that the gentleman Deputy Ó Caoláin alludes to is in position with his salary, terms and conditions approved by the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. That is the reality of the situation.

In answer to Deputy Ó Caoláin's question, everyone will be treated the same way. I made it clear, yesterday and at the outset of this. For the record, it is important to say that I initiated this investigation, through the then chair of the HSE who also happened to be the Secretary General, Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin, arising from issues in the HIQA report on Tallaght Hospital. They followed due process and they continue to do so.

As time has passed the Committee of Public Accounts has brought people before it and more revelations have emerged. That process will continue to its conclusion in a due process fashion and I will make my full and final comments around that when all the facts are before me and not before then because people are entitled to due process. That is all I wish to say on that matter.