Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I will certainly give much thought to some of the issues raised, particularly the issue of the chief executive. It is difficult to defend some of the issues one ends up defending. We will omit that aspect unless there is some legal implication involved. I presume it is a policy issue, therefore, I do not understand why a board which will be financed by non-public funding should have such a stringent requirement. There are aspects relating to medical registration, including other matters, on which clarification is required. I anticipate the Bill will come back to this House after the other House has dealt with Second Stage, Committee Stage and Report Stage.

I thank Members of the Seanad for their agreement to take the Bill so speedily. I am in Leinster House 26 years and I do not recall the Seanad ever meeting on Monday. Certainly, the Dáil never met on a Monday.