Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude by putting a statement on the record in respect of the conversation earlier regarding Mr. O'Brien attending conferences abroad and so on. In regard to the suggestion that he should not be doing so, I take a different view. It is important that Mr. O'Brien, officials of the HSE and various Departments attend conferences abroad to hear and learn about what is going on in the rest of the world in the context of changes that might be introduced here. However, I suggest to Mr. O'Brien that a policy be put in place to provide that payment for attendance at such conferences be made by the health service and that there is a need to ensure clarity around all the issues arising in that regard. As I said, it is important that Mr. O'Brien and his officials attend such conferences in order to learn about what is happening in other countries from the point of view of discovering what might be implemented in the health service here.