Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

There is a simple answer which might not be obvious, however. An "approved medical officer" is defined as somebody practising in the State. If we use the term "consultant psychiatrist", it will allow somebody from abroad to discharge the function. There is no great mystery about it. The term "approved medical officer" has the meaning assigned to it under the 2001 Act. One has to be geographically located in the Irish State. The term "consultant psychiatrist" which seems to mean the same thing does not carry that limitation.