Mr. James Menton:

I am just trying to summarise it in my own mind for the benefit of Deputy Harris. It is quite clear there is a difference of opinion between the board and the HSE in terms of compliance or otherwise. In good faith, our view as a board, supported by legal opinion, was that we were compliant. The HSE and others have a different viewpoint. In order to move forward, we need to resolve that difference, where we have a joint agreement as to what is compliant or not compliant - legal or other issues aside. To reiterate the point made in the opening statement, our way forward, in negotiation with the HSE, is to agree a proposal, a process, which will, ultimately, lead to a successful outcome and a mutually acceptable proposal around three modalities.

In terms of the compensation of Mr. Jermyn from the point of view of section 38, we would absorb that salary cost which is where we would like to get to and also the separation of roles. Our objective is clear, namely, we want to arrive at a mutually defined position where we are compliant. We want to move on with the continuation of serving our patients and doing our business which is the provision of top class health care to people in this country. That is our main objective.