Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. Yesterday, Dr. Simon Mills put forward draft proposals, in the form of heads of a Bill. I invite the witnesses to comment on them because he stated before the joint committee that he thought the draft would stand up robustly in law. I also am very concerned as I heard someone state there was no need for legislation, the position was crystal clear, the witness concerned was happy with what is there at present and with the medical guidelines. I am neither a legal nor a medical person but for the benefit of my constituents, I want to know the reason the master of Holles Street hospital, herself a mother of four children, would appear before the joint committee with other masters to state they were not happy, feel exposed and need clarity. As an ordinary person, I just cannot get it. Finally, do we trust the medical profession, be they obstetricians or psychiatrists?