David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before the Tánaiste's remarks, the Minister did not have that discussion with the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group. It was a response to the pressure that was coming on the Government with regard to dealing with this issue, which is part of the problem. We are now dealing with it at the eleventh hour. I want to get to the remarks made by the previous Minister, Deputy Harris. Dr. Peter Boylan said on RTÉ:

I think the Government are considering a plan B, and let me tell you why ... Last Saturday, I was out returning from the shops when I bumped into Simon Harris. We discussed the issue of the hospital. He suggested that possibly Tallaght might be an option. That makes me think the Government is considering a plan B.

If the previous Minister for Health was having a discussion with an individual, even though it was private, about the possibility of an alternative site, was that ever given serious consideration by the Government? Is it a serious consideration for the Government?