Mr. Paul Quinn:

The structures within the public service between Ministers and Secretaries General are very clear on the lines of accountability and responsibility. Ultimately this is a project for the Minister for Health. I was absolutely clear that reporting was taking place to ensure that the Minister for Health was absolutely apprised of the issues. All the minutes show that communications were taking place. As the board became aware of matters, those matters were communicated through the steering committee, the board etc. As a civil servant I could see that the appropriate Minister was being apprised of these matters. I was also aware that during the year there was engagement between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on bringing to bear the final report which ultimately came to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Watt, recounted this when he appeared before this committee. I could see that the machinery was working and doing what it is meant to do.