David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I agree with almost everything the Chairman said. I have no desire to establish a parallel investigation into this matter. We all accept that a commission will be established and should do its work. Our only interest in having Mr. O'Brien before the committee last week was to have him clarify comments he made during his previous appearance. The Chairman gave one example where that was not the case. This has given rise to more confusion because Mr. O'Brien was clear and explicit that he was criticising the media for their coverage of an issue based on a freedom of information request that was essentially delivered to the media as a result of concerns the HSE had. Mr. O'Brien stated the request was too limited but it was only limited because the HSE refused the more extensive original freedom of information request. The Chairman pointed this out and members accept it.

Issues also arise with evidence provided on procurement in respect of the first report. As those issues were not sufficiently dealt with, Mr. O'Brien, if he appears again, should be accompanied by Mr. Healy because I have been made aware of issues on which Mr. Healy potentially gave inaccurate information to the committee. On the previous occasion, there was confusion as to when he whether Mr. Healy was invited. Mr. O'Brien should appear again with Mr. Healy, notwithstanding any decision on whether to establish a commission, although it is probably better that a commission has not yet been established. All I want is that the committee is furnished with accurate information by an individual who holds a very senior position in the Health Service Executive. This is not too much to expect given the gravity of the issues at play. I support the proposal to reconsider the matter tomorrow.