James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I believe the Deputy is alluding to a specific instance in which I had already informed the chief executive officer of the HSE that there should be no further changes without bringing matters to my attention in order that I could study their implications. There might have been times when that message had to be reaffirmed, and this was done through an adviser. I do not see an issue with this. The original instruction came from me and through the Department of Health. In fact, the Secretary General wrote a letter to the HSE advising it of the position. The fact that an adviser might have had to reinforce this subsequently is not a source of grave concern as the Deputy is trying to make out it is.

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