Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It strikes me that the removal of the term "clinically appropriate" would give immense clarity. I am not satisfied with the other aspects of the lease either but that would give significant clarity. I might ask Dr. Boylan about that phrase "clinically appropriate" as a phrase that is not defined and about how it is interpreted. Dr. Boylan had started on that point but he did not have a full opportunity to discuss how, for example, the master of the hospital will report to the board and how the board has a role in health policy. I would like it if Dr. Boylan would comment on that question of how "clinically appropriate" might be applied. For example, I know there was a suggestion of providing a list of different practices but "clinically appropriate" is not simply a matter of what services are available; it relates to when they might be made available. He gave the example that in St. Vincent's University Hospital at present sterilisation procedures are given when they are clinically required in relation to another health issue, but not for the purpose of sterilisation itself. How might the potential input of a board in the interpretation of the phrase "clinically appropriate" and in its influence on a master pan out if it is not addressed or properly clarified?