Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 52:

In page 11, line 31, to delete "3 days" and substitute "1 day".

The import of these amendments relates to the establishment of the review panel and the making of the relevant decision. The Bill as it stands provides for an overall period of ten days - three days for convening and seven days for the making of the decision. I take the view, which has been expressed fairly widely and came up a considerable number of times at the hearings, that this period is simply too long and that there is an urgency about this area, the establishment of the review committee and the decision. Amendments Nos. 52 and 57 would substitute one day for three days in respect of the convening of the review panel and three days instead of seven days for the relevant review decision.

This is, essentially, an administrative function and it should be possible to convene within a 24-hour period and reach a decision within a three-day period. That would be in accordance with what would be acknowledged as best practice.