Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Could I just make this point, please? The Taoiseach and the Minister for Health offered to come in here and the committee turned it down. Deputy Cullinane's party turned it down. That is why they did not come initially. It is not true to imply that they do not have an interest or that they do not want to be here. It is wrong to use this committee as a political football. It is exceptionally clear that the Government wanted to attend here as the first witnesses and the committee said "No". I am not very happy with-----