Ms Mary Dunnion:

I am totally confident in the arrangements that the office of the chief inspector has within HIQA in the regulation of designated centres for older people and disability. The chairman of the board of HIQA is appointed by the Minister, as are the board members. We recognise in the conflict of interest area that people have a professional life outside their board membership. That is widely publicised and acknowledged. I can say unequivocally that at no time has the chairman or a member of the board of HIQA in any way asked or questioned me or influenced any decisions. In that context I have absolutely no experience where there would be a conflict of interest.