If you were there listening and observing these meetings, even though you didn't see yourself as an observer.... I'm not sure I really understand the semantics of that part.
Were there discussions around policy? Did you go back to the deputy minister and talk about those things just to report back to say that they had questions on these policies and to ask what you should be doing? Was there any back and forth?
I'm just trying to get a handle on what you said to the deputy minister. Personally, I can't believe there was no reporting back in some way, even an informal way.