The Minister says it is quite an intricate piece of work. Does he accept it is not beyond his wit or wisdom to have put this board in place long before now? Is there any truth in the perceived reason that the Minister is delaying the appointments to save money in this financial year by not making essential appointments like, for example, the appointment of an oncologist to Cork?
The Minister has made a major commitment to cancer treatment and women's health and I applaud him for it. Nonetheless, there is no point in making the commitment unless he gives practical effect to appointments which will enable that commitment to take effect on the ground. Cork has been waiting for months for the appointment of an oncologist.
Is part of the explanation for the board not being appointed in the past six months that the Minister is cleverly delaying the appointment of consultants to key areas, like that of oncology in Cork?