Mr. Peter Lennon:

I thank Deputy Cullinane for saying that because we believe it is the credible and realistic answer to dealing with this question. What we have done is to provide, as the Data Protection Commission, DPC, will confirm, that clear consistency in a legislative framework that takes choice out of the equation. It must be provided and there is a civil sanction if it is not provided.

We talk about strategic robust governance, etc., and leadership. HIQA, too, in its analysis, talks about the need for a national single dedicated organisation that would lead in this area. That is the role of the national health information authority. It will have the legal tools to mandate the provision of information to it.

In terms of what legislation can achieve, we see it as twofold: to provide the legislative power to the national health information authority, NHIA; and to provide the institutional structure, in terms of the national health information authority, to make that happen. That is something that is within the control of the Department to do, and the Oireachtas, if the Oireachtas is pleased to pass this legislation. It is a major step forward.

If I can go back to the earlier point in relation to electronic health records, etc., in a sense Sláintecare made an important point in relation to the early delivery of patients' summary care records. While taking the Deputy's points in relation to the all-seeing and all-dancing electronic health record system that might ultimately emerge, it is nonetheless the case that the public and health practitioners want early deliverables. Like the members and everybody in this room, they want to see tangible outcomes of what is being done. The development and delivery of a patient summary care record which is available 24/7 will be a major step forward.

It is not a comprehensive electronic health record system and we are not claiming that it is. We make the point that in other jurisdictions they have gone from the summary care record-----