Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have concerns about a couple of issues, which the committee will have to consider. Mr. Hempenstall stated the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and the Department are keen to see the Bill introduced to the Oireachtas as soon as possible. How can the committee undertake pre-legislative scrutiny when we do not have the legislation in front of us? It is going to be a difficult job for us. Will the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel liaise with the clerk to the committee? Will Mr. Hempenstall feed back our concerns? What is the timeframe for the legislation? Mr. Hempenstall used the term "as soon as possible". Given the delay in amending and commencing the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, I am worried that we are being rushed into this pre-legislative scrutiny when we only have the heads of a Bill.