Mr. Tony O'Brien:

On the Deputy's first point, I thank her for forwarding that letter to me. Otherwise, I would not have been aware of it. Clearly, the HSE does not take a position on this issue as an organisation, neither would it be appropriate for it to do so. The use by an employee of both our letterhead and our email system to communicate a position, not just with Members of the Oireachtas, but more broadly, is not in conformity with our policies. The individual in question has already been met with and will be taken through the appropriate procedures. Normally, we do not issue the general guidance about not taking part in referenda and so on until a vote is called, but this clearly raises the issue of needing to do so more quickly. Obviously, the vast number of employees within the HSE are entitled to have and will have their own personal opinions and will take part as citizens in the process, but they may not represent themselves or use the corporate identity of the HSE in putting that forward. It is absolutely important that I be clear that the HSE does not take a position on referenda or electoral matters and must remain neutral. No member of staff may use the name of the HSE or its corporate resources to advance any side in any such issue. That individual is fully aware of that at this point.