Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I will make two quick points in response. One is that it is not a promotion. It is moving to what arguably would be seen as a smaller span of control, so I would not characterise it as a promotion. The promotion would be to Sandra Broderick's role, which is the regional executive officer role.

The second point I would make is that the Deputy should not underestimate the power of contract law in this country. I am only saying this because it is a matter of public record. The clinical director in the hospital has been placed on administrative leave, and he has sought recourse from the High Court to stop the chief executive from placing him on administrative leave. The burden falls strongly in favour of the employee. I am not saying that is wrong.