Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I support my colleague. As a Member of the previous Oireachtas I remember the situation and the frustration we all shared, not least the then Minister of State, Barry Andrews. I hope we cover all aspects of the issue. We wish the Minister well and fully support her but I do not wish the situation to arise - we can never say never - where the Minister for Health or the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs comes to the House, with the support of the Dáil, to amend legislation to compel a statutory body to give sensitive and badly needed information. We must be sure. In line with the commitment in the programme for Government to abolish the HSE, we will have to go back to the drawing board, but it is a pity we could not get more clarity on the situation.

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