Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 14 June 2023
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health
Implementation of Sláintecare Reforms: Department of Health and HSE (Resumed)
Mr. Robert Watt:
I think I said that the new timeframe for conclusion of negotiations is the end of June. The Government, as often happens in these situations, has a choice between pushing ahead unilaterally or doing it on a collaborative basis and having full co-operation with the different parties. That is a judgment call. The Government decided, on this occasion, that it prefers to negotiate and reach a negotiated position, which is what we are endeavouring to do. These processes take an inordinate amount of time. It is not for the want of trying on our part.