Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee this morning. I have many questions on Sláintecare, etc., but given that Mr. O'Brien has to go soon, I will ask about the ongoing saga. I was very interested in hearing about the sign he placed on his wall the day after he took up his new position. I think he will have to agree that the sign did not work. I find it hard to believe that he did not know, but I obviously take him at his word. I have no reason not to do so. However, he should have known; not knowing is nearly as bad as knowing and not doing anything about it. As Deputy Donnelly has said, my party has called for him to step aside. If he decides not to or if he is left in his position, I ask him at least to forego the annual leave he intends taking before he retires to at least see it through and maybe as a goodwill gesture. However, that is up to him.

Do Mr. O'Brien and the Minister think the scoping inquiry is enough at this stage? Should we dig further? As I asked Mr. O'Brien this question last week, perhaps the Minister can answer this week. What can be done to restore the public's confidence in screening in general? I think things were going very well but the public has lost huge confidence in this and it is hard to blame them.

What was called a helpline last week is now being called an information line. "Phoneline" is probably the correct term to use because the feedback I am getting is that it just not working. Maybe something else could be done about that. People are being advised to contact their GPs who are already very much overworked. Is there a plan in place to help them in this?