Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I cannot comment on whether any such funds mentioned by the Deputy were involved. As Deputy Kenny knows, the question is being looked at by the Committee of Public Accounts and when we have that outcome and that from the two relevant Departments and the HSE, when the facts and circumstances are known, there will be an opportunity for everyone to look at the situation based on the facts as established.

Clearly, as I and the Minister for Health and Children have emphasised, any potential waste of public funds is a serious matter. Deputies are aware of the ongoing investigations into these matters and should await a full and proper analysis of the issues and allow the Committee of Public Accounts to consider these issues based on the fullest possible set of facts.

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