Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is there an agency or entity already performing these roles? Are such agencies registered and, if so, with whom do such bodies register? If these agencies are in situ, who is being recruited to perform these roles? We are discussing externally assisted involuntary admissions by those not directly employed by the HSE or members of the Garda. Such people operate in the private sector. This is a form of privatisation in terms of the placing of people within psychiatric institutions involuntarily. What are the determinants for qualification as an authorised person? What oversight applies to the conduct of such authorised persons? What steps are in place to ensure authorised persons throughout the jurisdiction act in accordance with the highest standards? Have such standards been laid down anywhere and, if so, where have they been laid down and by what mechanism?

I refer to the amendments bounced on us by the Minister of State, the fact that there has been such a degree of urgency and that these measures could not have been taken independently of the Bill. Is there a legal challenge in train or in preparation of which the Minister of State, the Department or the HSE is aware that has given rise to the rushed introduction of these amendments? There have been precedents involving the Minister for Health and Children. What exactly has given rise to the introduction of these amendments with such speed and such a determination to refuse to accommodate proper scrutiny and real engagement with all the various interested parties to which other Deputies have already alluded and with whom I also have an excellent working relationship? I would appreciate an answer to all these questions but especially a clear answer to my last question.

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