Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I do not intend to do so. With respect, I have prefaced my questioning by making it clear that I understand and appreciate that difficulty. However, we do not live in a dictatorship; this is a democracy. I am trying to establish something other than that the committee sits at all and that the Taoiseach is a member of it — big deal. Let us have some light shone on what the committee is about. It is important that the Taoiseach acknowledges its central role in the determination of Government health policy. That is a valid area for any Deputy to tease out with the Taoiseach. That is why he is here and I am here to ask questions.

In defining policy — I am not referring to specific aspects — where there are contradictions between its presentation by the HSE and by the Minister, are these matters addressed by the sub-committee on health? There are many examples, not least in the roll-out of radiotherapy centres. Professor Drumm wishes to see these in the hands of the public health system and the Minister wishes to see them in the hands of public private partnerships. Are issues such as this addressed by the Cabinet sub-committee? In recognising that there is a need to have a greater understanding of the role and work of the committee, will the Taoiseach shed some light on what he is at?

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