Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

While the Minister of State's response is reassuring, I wish to tease out matters a little further. The Minister of State mentioned protocols and noted that specific standards are laid down by the HSE regarding vetting, qualifications, hygiene and so on. Are these protocols set in stone for the future and are they written down somewhere? Are they available for inspection in order that one may be assured that the standards will be maintained? In these times of cutbacks, I refer to the need to prevent another clever company from offering to provide the service more cheaply by cutting corners and by not complying with such protocols. I seek an assurance that the protocols will continue in force into the future, are not negotiable and must be conformed to by whatever company might undertake this work.

While the Minister of State referred to the major item of legislation scheduled for 2011, he also stated that further amendments would arise later in the year. He should indicate whether they are simply other amendments to mental health legislation in general or whether they relate specifically to the contents of this Bill.

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