Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

Most of the Minister's reply was verbatim when I tabled this question originally on 8 June this year, including the explanation of the potential misunderstanding. That was all put on the record at that stage. When I specifically asked whether this measure would be in place by the end of the year, the Minister replied that he hoped so. The most recent response gave no timeframe. The Minister is now saying it will be early next year. We have to move with alacrity on these issues. Where an inter-agency dialogue is required, as in this case between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Health Service Executive, an important issue like this has to be driven politically. At least, we now have a date for the first time and I will hold the Minister to that date. I ask him to give an assurance to the House that he will personally ensure the date he has given will be realised.

See this speech in context