Mr. Muiris O'Connor:

I agree with Deputy Shortall's instincts. She is articulating the policy as reflected in the Bill. This is what Deputy Shortall is asking for and it is what we support very strongly. It is a simplified approach whereby we as individuals can connect and provide a PPSN in any of the sites. This is the simple approach. We can build on the skills. The teams in the HSE delivering on identity management are moving to incorporate the PPSN and have it baked in. This is one of the saving graces of the earlier legislation. The Health Identifiers Act provided for six keys, including forename, surname, date of birth, gender and PPSN. We can build on this. In what people will experience of the health service, the IHI will not feature too much. It will be the PPSN that is brought to each encounter.