John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

I, too, met with the Community Midwives Association. I commend the purpose of the Bill which is to enhance the protection of the public in its dealings with nurses and midwives. However, I have some serious reservations about it.

A letter from the Community Midwives Association, which I am sure the Minister, too, received, sets out its grave concerns in regard to sections 24 and 40. The letter states the association believes there is too much scope for misuse and misunderstanding of the current wording and a recognised lack of consensus among all those involved, which is far from reassuring. As stated by my colleague, Deputy Ó Caoláin, the Community Midwives Association has serious concerns about sections 24 and 40. By my interpretation, section 40 denies women the right to opt for a psychological service which would be low-tech and drug free, a right effectively recognised by the European Court of Human Rights.

I welcome many aspects of the Bill and acknowledge and admire the efforts made by the Minister, as compared with the previous Administration, to progress this legislation. However, I have some serious reservations about sections 24 and 40.

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