Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I see the Minister's logic but the problem is that the way this section is constructed is the other way round. If what he is saying is correct, he needs to invert this section because it states that the HSE will establish a panel of medical practitioners and then may add to that based on a request to the various colleges. It also states that if the HSE considers it appropriate, it can appoint one or more medical practitioners nominated by the colleges to the review panel. If what the Minister is saying is correct and the HSE's mechanism to nominate is a safety net, surely it should be the other way round with the colleges asked to nominate members and the HSE then topping that up where there are vacancies. The impression given is that the HSE is the driving force behind this rather than the college nominees. If what the Minister says is his intention, he needs to reconstruct that section to show that is his intention in respect of it.