Mr. Dean Sullivan:

I do not think a direction was required in that context insofar as once there was approval for the posts, there was no need of which I am aware - though colleagues may wish to comment - for any additional direction or authorisation in order to proceed. The agreement was secured for a move towards a structure within the HSE centre which focused more on strategy and planning as distinct from operations and delivery and which had a separate, very clear clinical officer spine such as I have spoken about. Once that agreement had been reached and the authorisation secured for the three posts - although it did not result in any additional posts, it still required authorisation - my understanding is that the HSE was then just allowed to make the necessary arrangements.