Mr. Robert Watt:

No, there was no disagreement on the final destination because ultimately that depends on whatever policy decision the Minister accepts and brings to the Government on the actual implementation of the RHAs. The timeframe on the implementation is a function ultimately of the policy that is arrived at. Clearly, there were views and discussions with ourselves and the HSE about implementing structural change in the middle of the worst public health crisis for 100 years. Sláintecare itself states very clearly that we need to be completely sure that any structural changes are kept to a minimum, that we do not interrupt the provision or enhancement of services and that we are completely sure that any structural changes that we bring about are completely necessary and will improve the functioning of the system.