Mr. Tony O'Brien:

I can give a partial answer. Deputy Creighton is correct that information entered the public domain indicating that four health professionals are subject to referral to their respective health regulators. In my opening remarks, I also made reference to the commencement or initiation of formal investigations in accordance with the HSE disciplinary procedure. This will examine two distinct issues, the first of which is what could be broadly described as the administrative side of the process, namely, the escalation of issues and the response thereto. The second relates to issues of care, which will be pursued in accordance with the disciplinary process. This is separate from any referral that may have been made either by an employer or a patient to a health professional regulatory body.

With regard to the more specific questions the Deputy asked, I will be able to respond to them next Tuesday when I have detailed information with me.