Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It strikes me as relevant in one context, that is, in the area of competition law. Perhaps at some stage down the line other institutions which may meet the requirements set out here but which are not envisaged by the Minister would be licensed to carry out terminations certified under the legislation. I wonder whether this section has been looked at and proofed from the point of view of competition law. Is the Minister satisfied that the service should be available only in public hospitals where there is the appropriate accountability and reporting structure? Is the Minister satisfied that if it is extended elsewhere the same standard of reporting and accountability can be insisted upon? I can think of a number of examples in which the State and others have been dragged kicking and screaming to catch up in the area of competition law and it may well be the case that other private health service providers will seek to play a role at a future date. Is the Government satisfied that this is a service the State should consider making available at all appropriately qualified institutions, or only at publicly owned and accountable institutions?