Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I appreciate the points made by Senator Henry in support of the amendment and I would be very concerned that any possibility might exist that people with certain conditions might be left to one side untreated or simply cared for. As this is solely a health issue my Department has discussed the matter with the Department of Health and Children and it favours the term "care or treatment" as used in the Bill, which is also used in other legislation, because it affords greater flexibility. However, I note that in certain areas of this Bill, and this is the tyranny of consistency, we also refer to the "care and treatment". I exemplify sections 11 and 12 where "care and treatment" is used. In those circumstances, between now and Report Stage I will examine that issue, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, to determine if we find a different approach more attractive.