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

I understand the issues arising in regard to convening the panel but in the circumstances I would have thought four days to be ample time for expert professionals to reach a decision once the panel has been convened. I appreciate that the initial period has at least been reduced to three days as opposed to might have been previously suggested but I continue to believe seven days is particularly lengthy. Given that the Minister is certain to have his way on our amendments, the only consolation is that seven days is the maximum timeframe. One hopes that the process will not take the full seven days in practice and that professionals will be mindful of the situation of the woman concerned in concluding their assessments with appropriate care and without delay.