Ms Mary Dunnion:

I can understand that perception is very important but the reality of where I work, and of my position, is that in no way has the chairman of the board influenced, asked about or questioned any of the decisions we make in that context. That is enshrined in the legislation and the scheme of determination through the inspectorate, to which everyone has to sign up and agree. The controls are there within the legislative framework, the Health Act 2007.

The reporting relationship is to the Oireachtas and the only relationship I have to the board of HIQA is as an assurance to the board in its function working for HIQA.