Joe O'Toole (Independent)

For ten years, I have been saying the inclusion of this line in legislation is a disgrace. There is no point in politicians from either side of the House criticising a chief executive who does the Minister's bidding if that chief executive is not allowed to contradict the Minister. The role of the chief executive is outlined in the Act and we therefore require clear thinking. Where there is a requirement to be responsible, let us demand that it is met, and where there is a requirement for accountability, let us demand it. Where hospitals are not being kept clean and where consultants are using dirty equipment and appeasing their consciences by writing a letter to the chief executive, I would expect a bit more. Let us have accountability at every level in the hospitals. It is crucial that we debate this and I ask the Leader to find a way in which to do so this week.