Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The special delivery unit is not an outside body. It is a fundamental part of the Department which the Minister established. The individuals who have benefited from these legal arrangements were selected by the Minister and he has publicly praised them for their expertise. Along with Mr. O'Brien, he stated the State is lucky to have their expertise. The Minister did not employ their companies but quite legitimately they used companies in foreign jurisdictions to reduce their tax liability, a practice which I understand would not be allowed if they were resident in this country. This is the point I am trying to make.

Neither the Minister nor Senator Burke has dealt with the serious issues which have been raised by Fianna Fáil and at least considered by the Taoiseach as something worthy of raising with the Minister and the Minister for Finance. We should put a stop to it. The ¤250,000 could go a long way in certain services. It would not be a panacea for the entire health service. However, it adds to public scepticism and cynicism. On the day we have seen what I believe is the longest list on record of patients waiting on trolleys in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, people do not have much confidence in the special delivery unit and neither do I.