The former director general of the HSE has criticised cabinet ministers who leak health information to journalists.
It follows reports of a divide between the National Public Health Emergency Team and senior ministers over the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Both sides have denied any division.
Tony O’Brien says whoever is leaking the information is unhelpful.
"It's been made very clear by the CMO, by the Taoiseach, by the Tánaiste, that we have to see how things go to see whether we can take all those steps or whether we have to go backwards.
"The last thing we need is some smart arse politician seeking to distance themselves from decisions they have been fully part of."
