Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

I ask the Chairman to allow me to offer clarification on questions put by Deputy Mary Lou McDonald on the deficits of the HSE. We should make it clear, of course, that these matters are under active consideration by the Government and that the outcome at the end of the year will be determined in consultation with the Government. The Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are working very closely with the HSE to achieve a balanced Vote. It is important that I put that on the record because the issues are quite serious. I assure the public that services will continue to be provided at a very high level of quality and safety. Patients need not be upset or concerned about these issues; we will deal with them all in a sensitive and sympathetic way. We will do so in a way that will protect the interest of patients.