John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

We must be careful in dealing with legislation. Listening to Deputy Twomey's contribution sent a shiver down my spine. He confirmed our worst fears and suspicions when he described the task he was given as a junior doctor, something that will not be covered in this legislation.

I have come across cases involving junior doctors. One was sent to apply a drip to a patient who had been on a Buxton chair for days in a hospital. The junior doctor was so tired that while he was treating the patient, he fell asleep. I have been told that a lady went to be treated and was misdiagnosed by a junior doctor before being sent home with a perforated bowel. Unfortunately and tragically, the woman died because of the misdiagnosis.

We have a serious problem where the workload of junior doctors is far too high. One aspect of the Hanly report is that we need more consultants. We need properly trained personnel in hospitals rather than having overworked junior doctors trying to deal with these very complex issues. Deputy Twomey's comments should send shivers down everybody's spine, including the Minister's. It is not acceptable for this to happen in our hospitals.

It is often said that the professions are a conspiracy against the laity. According to some people, this Bill is seen as a conspiracy of the laity against the profession. I fully understand the reasoning behind the composition of the Irish Medical Council. We can take into account malpractice, the horror stories from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and the Neary case. In that instance, there was quite clearly too cosy a relationship between Dr. Neary and his colleagues, sitting down for a cup of tea to discuss the case. That collegiality resulted in Dr. Neary getting away with it.

That is clearly unacceptable. From a political point of view, it makes sense to have a lay majority and it looks good. However, we should consider the facts. In future, all 25 people will be appointed by the Minister. I have been informed that the General Medical Council of England and Wales has the highest lay membership in Europe with 40% non-medical members. Perhaps the Minister could correct these facts, and I am open to correction, but no other country in the developed world has a lay majority.

Considering these factors, I wonder if it is wise, as Deputy McManus stated, to proceed down this road? Will the Minister be open to suggestions on Committee Stage? The Independent Hospitals' Association of Ireland will have one member and I have been told that this body is related to IBEC in some shape or form. I am sure the Minister will correct me at some stage.

See this speech in context