Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am very disappointed with the Minister's answer. How can he decide that no conflict occurred in this case when he has said that he has not been briefed on this matter? These revelations are very serious and they expose once again, in my opinion, the unsuitability of the Minister for Health and also they expose the Government's gross mismanagement of the public health service. It does not matter what is the size of the State. We have just witnessed the shameful removal of discretionary medical cards from citizens who need them - one shameful act following another shameful act. I ask for the Minister's opinion on whether the report into the reconfiguration of maternity services in the west and the north west can be relied upon as an independent and fully accountable report, given that it was brought about by this private consultancy firm which promotes the privatisation of health services. Perhaps he could tell me whether the Government will ask for this report to be withdrawn immediately. Does he agree that the chairperson of this west-north west hospitals group should review his position? Should the Minister for Health consider his position? What is the nature of the relationship between the Minister for Health and the chairperson of the west-north west hospitals group? After all, the Minister for Health appointed this person. Does the Government retain confidence in the Minister for Health?

See this speech in context