Mr. Damien McCallion:

In fairness, one must acknowledge that Dr. Gráinne Flannelly has done considerable and phenomenal work in cervical cancer screening during the years. She started the programme. Dr. Peter McKenna kindly stepped in to fill the role of clinical director, even with his other roles, for the intervening period. Dr. Doherty has now moved into the role. Of course, in losing someone in a key clinical role at any point in time there is an impact.

We discussed the other point raised. There is nothing we can add on the history and the timing. We have talked about the context in which the decision was made. Personally, I was not there to judge. I have articulated how we work with the Department and how we give advice. Matters of policy are for the Department. Operational matters are worked through with the HSE.