Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)

I will speak specifically on the amendment but first, regarding what the Deputy Ó Muirí just said, the Ombudsman's report on the Magdalen scheme was utterly scathing. It is worth reading what was said. While I am not going to read it again, it was utterly scathing of the way the scheme was administered. Prior to that, Mr. Justice Quirke, a High Court judge, had recommended that the special medical card be given to the Magdalen survivors. That was not done either.

On the amendment, I had not spotted the issue but I am glad the Deputy raised it. It would be helpful if the Minister clarified the matter. As it reads, I do not know whether it is good or bad. If I read it one way, it is a good amendment in the sense that it seems to be opening up possibilities by changing the assessment of needs on behalf of the Health Service Executive and taking out the reference to who specifically will do it. Why is that necessary? Does the Minister wish to broaden it out to allow other people to carry out the assessment? The Minister might clarify and explain this further.

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