Dr. Tony Cox:

I will answer Deputy Kelly's third question, which related to the Medical Council guidelines, and his fourth question. We want to avoid the circumstances outlined by Mr. Prasifka. We want the guidelines to be absolutely and completely patient-centred. The patient must be at the centre. We do not want a patient in a crisis situation to present herself to a doctor who finds it difficult for any reason to provide the service required by the patient at that time. We feel that a 24-hour helpline, which was the subject of the Deputy's fourth question, is absolutely key. A 24-7 helpline that is staffed by well-trained medical nursing staff can ensure we avoid circumstances in which a patient in a crisis situation is confronted by a provider who finds it difficult to provide this service. We can ensure such a patient is directed to someone who is willing and able to provide the service and is available at that time. We would not want the circumstances outlined to come to pass.