Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In reply to Deputy Ó Caoláin, it is not a question of an embargo. Protocols were set down following an examination of these matters last year, when a professional steering group that was not composed of politicians or people wishing to make political points, looked at these issues. When the group examined the surgical, medical and radiological facilities in the hospitals, it came to an agreement on protocols. It was unanimously approved and has been followed as a matter of policy since then.

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