Mr. Martin Fraser:

Again, I am reluctant to comment because I was not involved. I accept the questions Deputies and Senators have asked me about how this decision was made and what it meant. From my point of view, I think that there is a good case for more research funding for research into pandemics, preparedness, etc. The case for that is, in a way, separate and I know that they have been conflated. If a particular person had left after two years, I do not believe that we would not still be providing research funding. At least I hope that we would still be providing because funding should be provided on the merits of the topic and not due to the fact that a particular individual holds a particular post. I do not think that is right and I do not think that is what happens either. We do some research in the Department of the Taoiseach and it is certainly not attached to any particular official's tenure, nor should it be.