Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Section 3 (1)(a) is the kernel of the amendment proposed in substitution of the reference on disability. Inserting it in this context predicates the power of the officer making the determination on the prospect of a person causing immediate and serious harm to himself or herself. One must remember that the legislation enables medical inspectors to be appointed. Any State must have power to deal with such a person at the point of arrival.