Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I did not realise the Deputy had copied and pasted my own amendment. It looked very familiar. Indeed, she will be aware that when I tabled the amendment, the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, told me that the powers were already provided for in the High Court and at the tribunal, because it replicates the procedures in the court. I checked that myself and received exactly the same advice that it is covered. I am satisfied that the tribunal already has exactly the powers that the Deputy is calling for in the amendment, and indeed, that I called for previously.

While we are talking about some of the advantages of the tribunal, I will set out one that I think is important. Unlike in the courts, the tribunal has very extensive procedures for non-expert witnesses, as they are known. For example, women can give their statements in writing. Responses to questions can also be given in writing. Some real thought has been put into this to prevent the circumstances under which some of the more adversarial interaction, which I think we all disagree with, can happen.

There is no need to accept the amendment. I am satisfied that the powers are already there. However, I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I absolutely share the core concern that she has raised.

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