Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am struck by how stark the witnesses positions are. We have previously been told that we need to make sure we have the courage to be able to recommend the legislation for this. This morning, however, I am struck by the message that having the courage not to legislate is also important.

Regarding services in the community, I agree with the witnesses that there are well-documented deficits. At what stage do we know we have sufficient supports? Are there recommended ratios of practitioners to population? Is there ever a way of calculating that, at a certain point, it is safe because there is a balance, or do we merely measure it in terms of budget? I am trying to figure out when we will know that we have hit the crucial point.