Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will answer first and pass the legal question on. The golden share in this case is a name but what is important is the legal powers that are attached to it. There are other golden shares in other situations that may have different legal powers. Essentially, it means that if for some reason the directors of the NMH fail in their obligations and their duty to ensure all services are provided and are provided without any religious influence, the Minister for Health can direct the board at his or her sole discretion. It says at the end, for the avoidance of doubt, that the directors must comply with this. That is very sensible.