Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I accept that the Minister has been given that advice, I do not accept the advice. There is a missed opportunity. Unfortunately, the Minister's amendment reduces the clinical representation from two to one and does not bring in financial expertise. If he had tabled an amendment that adjusted the drafting but held on to the two clinical experts and the financial expert, we would be satisfied because the two patient advocates are contained in Senator Ruane's updated clause. Unfortunately, that is not what the Minister did. Instead, he proposed an amendment that materially changed what the committee agreed was required. I ask him to withdraw the amendments in order that we can proceed and have the essential financial expertise on the board, as well as two clinical experts and two patient advocates, as is currently provided for in the Bill. If there are drafting issues, as appears to be the case, they can be dealt with in the other Bill the Minister indicated will be forthcoming. I have no issue with adjusting the drafting.

This is a great opportunity to make a strong statement that for the first time we will give clinicians, patients and financial oversight the level of statutory footing that they require. That would be a great message from this House. I appreciate this is awkward for the Minister. I would be more than happy to rectify any drafting issues when we discuss the other Bill. It is essential, however, that we hold on to the numbers the committee agreed were required on Committee Stage.

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