Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The appropriate institutions specified in page 19 of the Bill include, as has now been confirmed, institutions that would be removed from the list if Deputy Ó Cuív's amendment were to be taken and that would be an impractical proposition. I have cross-referenced section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The Minister has the power under section 3 of this Bill that "any institution so specified shall be an appropriate institution for the purposes of this Act". The Minister can add to this list as he determines. I have sympathy with the reason Deputy Ó Cuív gave for his amendment but its construction simply is not fit for purpose. The situation cannot apply in any event, given the nature of some of the hospitals on which we depend. Their very nature as institutions is rooted in non-State support since they were set up and have been sustained throughout all the years, despite receiving substantial public moneys to continue their services.

Nevertheless, their status remains, as we know too well.