Robert Watt authorised controversial Tony Holohan secondment to Trinity College

A number of members of the committee said Dr Holohan confirmed that Mr Watt had signed off on the move, as did the Department of Health. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The decision to approve Dr Tony Holohan's secondment to Trinity College Dublin was made by the head of the Department of Health, Robert Watt, it has been confirmed.

The Department said in a statement that the decision was made "at the highest level".