John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Deputy McManus has explained the need for the amendment very well. I hope the Minister will understand that when it comes to patient safety, there should be no leeway. Protection of patients should not just be at the discretion of the Minister. Rather, the Minister should be obliged to protect patients. We have heard much during this debate about patient safety. I hope the Minister understands from where we are coming on this. She may argue that it is self-evident that if there was a problem, any responsible Minister would act to protect patients. However, I would like to see it copperfastened and set down in law that the Minister must and "shall" act. I see no major difficulty in that regard, but I am sure the Minister will have a reasonable explanation.

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