James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

That is an amazing exposé. Deputy Charlie O'Connor is not from Tallaght.

The Bill contains positive elements while being deficient in other areas . It gives the Minister and her successors a great deal of power and control which could inhibit the workings of the board. These are markedly different from the powers left with the Medical Council. No explanation is given as to why this subtle but important difference in approach has been taken. This is a provision this side of the House will oppose strenuously. Any legislation which can give rise to political interference in a regulatory board is to be deplored and should not be allowed to spread to other boards or councils.

Equally, there is much greater control being retained by the relevant Ministers with regard to the creation and maintenance by the new board of competency schemes, education programmes and rules which are not so restricted in other legislation.

There lies the real problem with the Bill. There have been missed opportunities in allowing the nursing profession to respond to deficits and dangers in work practices. Equally, there is a strong sense of a heavy political hand in the running of the board. For the first time a Minister will have the right to appoint the president of the nursing board. These are dangerous developments.

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