James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 27:

In page 16, line 19, after "may" to insert "authorise a suitable independent third party to".

Again, we come back to the principle of independent assessment. Whether it be in health, finances or financial evaluation, there needs to be independence and transparency. We have no way of being assured that people who are appointed and who are, therefore, in some way tied to the HSE or other bodies will act in the best of faith. They may start off that way but they may find pressure is brought to bear on them as time goes by. We want to ensure independence and transparency, which is the reasoning behind the two amendments. I hope the Minister of State will see they are reasonable and accept them.

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