Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

It will lead to better value for taxpayers. Opposition Members may be a little slow but we can give them a little shake to wake them up earlier. The Bill will result in a better working environment for health service employees, who have given us diligent service, which they deserve.

The level of information that will come about when the legislation is enacted will be excellent and better than we have ever had. I am, delighted that membership of the executive will see a continuation of experience, with some members serving for five years and others for three. It is not an arrangement we often see on State-appointed boards and one which should be examined for all as it is important to keep experience on board. I am pleased that funding will be made available for meals on wheels and other such organisations. The regional health fora and the advisory panel are other important developments.

The most important development is the complaints procedure, giving people a constructive process. I was confused about the provision whereby complaints cannot be touched when they are of the nature of legal proceedings or matters relating to clinical judgment. Does that mean where there has been a court case one cannot take a complaint if one does not agree with the original clinical judgment and one had received a second opinion? I am delighted to assist the Bill in its passage through the House and look forward to debating the next Stages.