Mr. Tony O'Brien:

To reiterate, I was not involved and I was not in position so, I hope, I am taking an objective view. Conal Devine was not part of the HSE. His piece of work was directed specifically at the specific allegations. The secondary decision was to have a broader look back. The skill sets that the individuals have is an appropriate skills set and I told the committee what the exemptions are under EU procurement. Clearly, the Deputy is not happy with that situation. I am simply putting forward the rationale for the decisions that were made at the time and I do not believe there is any basis to question the integrity of the individuals concerned, particularly those whose names have been mentioned today.