Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Boyd Barrett said the onus should be put back onto the doctor, but if I was in a practice I would not like the onus put on me solely. People sometimes go to their doctor with an ailment and look for a disability payment, but in certain cases they are fit for work and that puts the doctor in the position of being judge and jury, which is a terrible thing. They are under enough pressure as it is and that is why we have to bring in medical assessors. I have some sympathy with what other Members are saying but it would be catastrophic to make doctors judge and jury.