Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Breslin. I appreciate that time was not on his side for negotiations previously. To my mind, it would make matters less fractious in future if consultants were part of the discussions from an early stage. I have a question relating to a point that was previously raised about the fact that no pathology specimens could be processed unless the sending consultant had signed a type A contract. I appreciate that Mr. Breslin says that was rescinded within 24 hours. Mr. Breslin suggested the motivation for that was financial. Will Mr. Breslin confirm that no patient was negatively impacted because of that original decision? Will he confirm that this will not arise going forward in the new contract, regardless of the financial or other implications? Is he in a position to tell us who actually directed that? Who made the decision in the first place?