Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

Does the Tánaiste accept the Travers report does not say it is solely an issue of administration and that there is clearly political responsibility in this matter? Does she accept, for example, that any Minister has enormous powers and supports and always gets credit when he or she is successful but that there is also an onus on Ministers to accept and bear responsibility when there is negligence and failure? Is this a principle the Tánaiste takes seriously?

The Tánaiste says she is open to the publication of information. Will she publish the legal opinions in respect of this issue, particularly that of the South Eastern Health Board? It would be useful to see what information was available to the latter. Is there any record in her Department as to why the Minister for Health and Children who took over in March 1987, Dr. Rory O'Hanlon, decided not to proceed with legislation that had been prepared by his predecessor, Mr. John Boland? Presumably that information is still in her Department. It is important to know what the story is regarding that decision, considering the size of the bill the taxpayer is left to pay so many years later.

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