Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's point, but the cards were removed for proper legal reasons. I am not saying that did not affect the individuals concerned. In terms of the actual position of the time, the HSE applied the law correctly. As legislators, we are trying to change the law. People often ask us why we cannot change the law if it is against us on a particular issue. We are setting out to do that, and that is why the expert panel has been established. We look forward to receiving support from the Opposition in dealing with the issue.

However, for the moment, what the HSE has done - it has been fortified by the Government announcement in respect of a change of policy - is to move to a position, as it were, in which all further reviews are suspended. The circumstances relating to the return of cards were announced last week.

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