Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I will be as quick as I can. I thank the deputations for attending. By way of a general point, it seems that everything functions reasonably well and everyone seems to be fairly happy. I am a little lost as to why we particularly need this measure. Dr. MacLellan has advised that Ireland has outlined its general support for the regulation and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the quality of assessment undertaken by the various national bodies is of a sufficient standard. Is Dr. MacLellan satisfied that the concerns or questions raised have in fact been answered sufficiently?

My next question is for the NCPE. Dr. Tilson said clarification might not be available until after the regulation comes into force. There is an element of the unknown about it. Is there any role for the committee in communicating with the Commission to seek answers? Are these small issues or matters of concern for the NCPE? Can the NCPE outline its thinking in this regard?

My questions for HIQA are in the same vein. The HIQA submission referred to strong positive relationships that exist already. It strikes me that a good deal of co-operation exists as does considerable information sharing. Moreover, much work is already getting done. Can the HIQA deputation outline how the regulations will help to improve what seems to be a reasonably good procedure as it stands?

With regard to the concerns that were expressed, do any of the witnesses think the committee has a role in addressing those with the Commission?