Mr. Paul Reid:

In relation to Dr. Sharma, whose name is well publicised at present, and there is plenty of information out in public on that, the full details of the whole process and oversight of it are in Dr. Maskey's report. On Dr. Sharma specifically, I wrote to him on 17 February and thanked him for what he had done and what he had highlighted. The specific allegation the Deputy mentioned, and various other allegations that have been made, are now the subject of a protected disclosure. Dr. Sharma wrote to me on 25 February and outlined a number of issues. He clearly outlined that he wanted his correspondence treated as a protected disclosure. I will say to the Chair and Deputy that I have to now fully respect the protected disclosure process under the 2014 Act and, equally, the Health Act. That is now in a formal process. We are engaged with Dr. Sharma on how that process will proceed and we will investigate all issues outlined by him in his protected disclosure.