David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a concern about that. It is not that I do not believe An Garda Síochána should carry out such prosecutions. Rather, my concern is that some of the incidents may not be a priority for the Garda. In terms of scale, some incidents will be more serious than others. I believe a better, more effective and more efficient way to do it would be for HIQA and other bodies to also have the power to prosecute. In my view, that would strengthen the operation of the Act. I have a concern that the only prosecuting body will be An Garda Síochána. It remains to be seen how it will work in practice. The Minister has given his rationale. I accept that is the position of the Department. I will be pressing the amendment but I will not push it to a vote.