Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are welcome and I thank them for coming in this morning. I have two questions, the first of which is for Dr. Holohan. Why is HIQA's position limited to acute public hospitals? He stated that there will be assurances regarding patient safety. What standards of safety are in place currently and how are they being monitored? He also stated that high risk activities such as the use of general anaesthesia will be included and that that is likely to include screening services. Surely nothing should be precluded and all decisions relating to this should be in place now given that the Bill is published.

My second question is for Mr. Quinn. He advised that licenceholders will be monitored. How will that work? Does he believe it is wise to allow judgment at HIQA's discretion? Should guidelines be in place from the outset?