James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 12, lines 38 to 41, to delete all words from and including "person" in line 38 down to and including "assessment." in line 41 and substitute the following:

"representative of the Health Information and Quality Authority.".

Earlier I alluded to the need for independent assessments. There is a precedent for people not being diagnosed appropriately. Sometimes diagnosis can be an art and one doctor may have a slightly different opinion to another, even if there are guidelines in place. While I do not wish to show any disrespect to or disregard for my colleagues, there is a conflict of interest if the assessment team is in the employ of the HSE which is responsible for funding the service. There is a need for an independent body to supply the medical and social work expertise in the assessments. Will the Minister make a concession on this amendment to ensure people will be assessed in a fair fashion without any bias motivated by the lack of funds in the HSE?

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