Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleagues in Fianna Fáil and Members of other parties who supported the Bill on Second Stage. It would be easier and, perhaps, more popular to ignore the problem but we must not do so. I acknowledge the great work being done in this area by the Revenue and various other State organisations. I am very disappointed that even after listening to the contributions made on Second Stage, the Government - Fine Gael in particular which is often referred to as the party of law and order - cannot appreciate that this issue will not go away but, rather, will get worse and worse.

The framework of the Bill was drawn up by a barrister. Many may disagree with some of its provisions. We often use the phrase "doctors differ and patients die". People have different opinions. Much time and work was put into the Bill but there are flaws in it, as highlighted in some of the contributions in the House tonight. I appeal to the Government to allow the Bill to go to Committee Stage where the issues raised by Members across the House can be dealt with and we will be able to come up with a solution to what is a massive issue in this country.

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