Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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No, I accept the responsibility for this, and I want that to be very clear. It is unsurprising, given that this is a matter that involves the assessment of health need, that we would seek to gain the views of the Department of Health into the matter. However, I am responsible for this. This is a board that is associated with and is the responsibility of my Department. Indeed, as I have just indicated to the Deputy in my presentation this morning, this is part of my Vote. I am therefore responsible for this. I very much regret that what I was trying to do was not acceptable to the board members, who felt that they needed to resign.

As I have said, I will take steps to try to get a board reappointed. This is because those people who are looking for and who deserve a reassessment of their case are on my mind. We will try to act speedily in their interests. There are broader issues relating to this scheme. They merit consideration beyond my Department, but I accept responsibility for this.