Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have never been accused of having a paternalistic attitude just because I am a man. I am the Minister for Health and have a duty to tell people who rely on me the fact that the laboratories are safe today.

With regard to the leak, the Taoiseach has said he is going to investigate it and I hope he will do so. As the Deputy knows, it is often not possible to find out how these things are. A number of people had it, both in and outside government. The report was not leaked, but I take the point that it was cruel that an element of it was leaked.

As regards HIQA, I think the suggestion made by Deputy Louise O'Reilly and her party leader is very constructive. I am not going to make a knee-jerk announcement on the floor of the Dáil, but I will consider it and will engage with them on it.

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