The Health Minister has denied the row over Navan Hospital is what caused HSE boss Paul Reid to resign.
In his first public appearance since Mr Reid announced he was stepping away from the HSE, Stephen Donnelly said his reasons should be taken at face value.
Those included spending more time with his family.
The Health Minister denied the row between politicians and clinicians over whether the emergency department in Navan should stay open hastened Mr Reid's departure.
"Paul has left for the very reasons that he has stated. He and I have a very good working relationship and talk to each other regularly.
"We've worked very closely through Covid and we just need to take Paul at his word."
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