Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

In the report, as published, civil servants received a fair share of criticism and probably correctly so. However, politicians should also take responsibility. Ministers have many perks and bonuses but holding office also entails major responsibility. We have clearly seen that Ministers did not take responsibility for their own Department. I include the two former Ministers of State at the Department of Health and Children as well as the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children who remained after the recent reshuffle.

A mess has been created. The Tánaiste correctly pointed out that one out of every four euro of State expenditure goes on health. We now have a massive bill outstanding but do not yet know the full figure. I got the impression from the Tánaiste's statements that it may be far bigger than we currently think. She referred to non-existent records which may in turn lead to a legal debacle, costing the taxpayer even more money. Perhaps the figure of €500 million is unrealistic. As the Tánaiste herself stated, this money could have been used for other health services. At least we now have clarity. To be positive, by forcing the issue in 2005 we might have saved another Government in 2035 from facing a massive bill. Future Governments will say, "Thank God it was spotted in 2004". It might be 30 years too late but at least it has been recognised.

A worrying feature of the report is that there is a clear conflict of evidence between the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, and the official, Mr. Kelly. Mr. Kelly clearly remembers giving a folder containing the letters we have just mentioned with regard to the Attorney General to Deputy Martin but the former Minister cannot remember it. Mr. Kelly can clearly remember discussing the possible implications of a negative reply from the Attorney General, yet Deputy Martin cannot remember that either. In addition, we have a civil servant who clearly remembers seeing the folder on Deputy Martin's table but the former Minister cannot remember it. This is a weakness in the Travers report.