Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Senator Ryan's point is valid and it strikes me as similar to the Health Insurance Authority, set up to advise the Minister but whose advice on risk equalisation the present Minister has rejected.

The Minister of State did not answer my question on accountability. I become more confused every day as to the exact role of the Department of Health and Children. A huge amount of power has been devolved from the Department. We welcomed the formation of the Health Service Executive on this side of the House but are now beginning to change our minds because of the lack of accountability. It is anti-democratic because people cannot get answers to questions. Are we creating a similar situation with the Irish Medicines Board?