Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy McManus for her kind comments. One would be concerned when we have contractual arrangements with any company that gets into difficulties, but the banks, in the case of this company, have reconfirmed the borrowings and that is encouraging. The HSE believes that its legal position is protected. As the company has a major contract with the NHS, we therefore believe that if it were not in a position to continue, its products would be taken over by a competitor and the services would continue to be supplied. The HSE remains confident that the company can continue its contractual obligations.

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