Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

That is good to hear because there is a fear that somehow this legislation will not be implemented before the next general election and considering the recommendations that were made in the Lourdes hospital report, this is very serious legislation. However, I also wish to ask the Tánaiste what is being done in regard to clinical governance, clinical audit and competence assurance because these are not just catch phrases we can throw out all the time. In some respects the Tánaiste is trying to slip away from the importance of these issues by saying she will ensure a lay majority on the Medical Council.

As a State organisation, whether the Medical Council has a lay majority or is self-regulated with a majority of doctors is of no benefit to patients unless the issues around clinical governance, clinical audit and competence assurance are dealt with. As we saw from the Lourdes hospital report the Medical Council acted appropriately once it was informed. In fact, the Medical Council had to report Dr. Neary to itself in order to investigate the matter. Many facts have been lost in the very emotive issues that surrounded this crisis in the north east. What does the Tánaiste intend to do before the summer in regard to issues such as clinical audit and competence assurance?

The Tánaiste has quoted Professor John Higgins in CUH about clinical directorates and doctors having to do more themselves. It is our responsibility to protect patients. It is not up to the goodwill of a few consultants, doctors or voluntary organisations, it is our responsibility. I would like to hear more, not just about the legislation, because even if we do bring the Bill to the House in September it will not be enacted before the next general election, and we need to know what will happen in regard to those other big issues.

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