Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am a little concerned about some of the discussion earlier. It was made obvious in the opening statement of the Department of Health that there is an urgency with the AHR Bill. I totally understand that. Do the witnesses believe new legislation will be needed to address the issues falling under the remit of this committee or are we looking at amending the AHR Bill? I ask all three Departments that question. They may very say the matter is up to this committee. I understood that this committee was given a three-month task to make amendments or possible amendments to the AHR Bill. I do not know whether I still have that opinion now after hearing some of this discussion. I have a concern about that. If new legislation is required, that needs to be discussed. Perhaps we will see that as we go through but I would like the witnesses' opinions on the matter.