Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

Changing the words could have the effect of excluding people. Substituting "or" with "and" would inappropriately restrict the definition of a health or social care profession. By leaving the word "or" in place a health or social care profession can be a profession in which a person exercises skill or judgment relating to the diagnosis, treatment or care of those who are injured, sick, disabled or infirm. By replacing "or" with "and" a person would need to exercise skill or judgment relating to the diagnosis, treatment and care of those who are injured, sick, disabled or infirm. In other words, all three would need to be carried out to be considered a health or social care profession. This is considered to preclude a number of professions currently included in the Bill. Therefore, it is not proposed to accept the amendment.