Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister sets the word "irreversible" down in primary legislation, it will exclude people. A condition that is currently irreversible may not be so in even one month's time because, as the Minister says, the pace of scientific progress is such that these things can change quite quickly. On that basis, I think this is a mistake. I do not think any of us is medically qualified to give an opinion on this and we depend on advice from relevant sources. Has the Minister taken advice from professionals working in the AHR area? Members on this side have received such advice. It seems to be a reasonable proposal that the Minister would not set these limits down in primary legislation and would instead consider at least providing for them in statutory instruments, so as to future-proof the legislation. I hope the Minister will consider that for the future.

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