Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. I did not hear all of the discussion at the start of the session because I had some technical issues. As a new Deputy, I am really disappointed with this procedure. If it was not for my party colleague, Deputy Cullinane, giving up some of his speaking time, I would probably not have had the chance to even interact with the committee today. This legislation warrants a full debate and not this piecemeal procedure we are going through at the moment. This does not take away from any of the witnesses here at this meeting.

When we extend any Government powers indefinitely, or even until November, we really need to look at it. Mental health was mentioned, but no debate happens in the Dáil Chamber that does not mention mental health. There is not a decision made at the Cabinet table that does not have an impact on people's mental health, be it housing policy, access to services for children with disabilities, or business. Whatever it might be, it has an impact on people's mental health.

Due to the fact that my time is limited, I will be specific in my questions. Ms Deane answered my query when she spoke earlier, but I want to go through the matter again. It was mentioned that the procedure to allow for one-member, paper-based tribunals that require the minimum personal interaction between relevant persons has not been used so far. What are the views of the witnesses on this procedure? If it has never been used is there a need for this measure to be in the legislation going forward?