Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister took issue with the fact that our definitions of the different kinds of harm have not been exhaustively tested and that his preference is for those definitions to be provided for in regulations. We say that the definitions brought forward here are reasonably broad and detailed, but not exhaustive. However, it is open to the Minister, should he wish to provide more exhaustive details on each category of harm at a later date, to do so. Our definitions do not have to be the final word on this, nor did we ever anticipate they would be. Regulations exist to provide the detail that does not sit well in primary legislation.

Another concern is time. As Deputy Daly has said, five months have passed since this was passed on Committee Stage. Everything moves slowly. The chances of the present Government arrangement even being in place by the time an alternative emerges are probably slim. Paddy Power would give a good price on it. Everything takes so long in here. Today we have an opportunity to do something really good for our health service, for patients and for healthcare workers, and I believe we should take it. It was passed on Committee Stage with the support of Fianna Fáil, and I sincerely hope it has not changed its tune because of the so-called confidence and supply arrangement. We are hoping it will do the right thing and support us on this.

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