Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The DLCG said yesterday that it would prefer to see the appeals process carried out by a Department other than the Department of Health and Children instead of by an ombudsman, but the Taoiseach did not feel that such an option could be considered. We therefore proceed with the appeals officer as proposed in the legislation. I would love to see NAMHI back in the process, and I urge Deputy McGrath to use any influence he might have in that organisation to encourage it to consider rejoining the partnership process. Whether the DLCG continues with the organisations that it has at present or the others come back is a matter for the group itself.

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