Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Bill states that: "The acts of a committee ... shall be subject to confirmation by the Board." There are two exceptions in this regard, namely the preliminary proceedings committee and the fitness to practise committee. I am of the view that the midwifery committee should also be an exception in this regard. I do not know whether she intended to frame matters as she did but the Minister of State is correct that it is possible to have bad boards. I agree with her. I am seeking to protect the midwifery committee because there could be bad boards.

I do not want a situation to develop whereby the midwifery committee could be dissolved at the drop of a hat in circumstances where its continued existence might not suit the greater number of and wider interests involved with the board. The representatives of the midwives will only have the certainty of their position, namely, through engaging at their committee with the representatives of nurses and other health professionals. They must also have certainty with regard to what they can achieve there. The board may certainly dissolve a committee but there are two exceptions in this regard, namely, the preliminary proceedings committee and the fitness to practise committee. I am of the view that the midwifery committee should also be an exception.

All of this is linked to our earlier debate on amendment No. 7 and is part of the out-working relating thereto. The only solace I can take from what the Minister of State indicated - I do so sincerely - is that while this is the situation with which we are now dealing in the context of the passage of amendment No. 7, perhaps the political will be present in the future to address this matter in a more appropriate manner.

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