David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

I agree that the Law Reform Commission report was very important and allows for the foundations for legislation to be put in place as quickly as possible. I raised this with the incoming chair of the health committee, Deputy Rice, as an issue on which the committee should focus. I am sure we would be prepared to work with the Minister in having the Law Reform Commission appear before the committee and talk through its proposals. Ultimately, however, I am sure that if it were before the committee, it would say it has made recommendations. I know the Farrelly commission report made recommendations on safeguarding, an independent authority and right of access - all of the same issues that would have to be in any legislation.

9 o’clock

Everyone is saying the same thing but there is still no commitment to legislation. If the Minister were to commit to that in principle - I am not saying it needs to be done this week, next week or next month - I am sure the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health would be more than happy to work with her to progress it as soon as possible. I am genuinely only interested in getting this legislation through to make sure people are properly protected and safeguarded.

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