Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The fora are free to discuss policy issues. However, the fora are prohibited from having a role when it comes to clinical judgment issues and the appointment of staff. This issue falls into the broad area of policy, on the one hand, and patient safety and clinical judgment on the other hand. This is why it was decided this service should not be supplied in four different hospitals covering a relatively small population base. As the Deputy is aware, these services are provided in Cavan and Drogheda.

The protocol came into effect in April and it will be reviewed in six months' time. In the meantime, perhaps the matter could be discussed at the next meeting of the forum.

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