Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thought I was allowed to speak just once. The amendment seeks to clarify further the function and role of a person appearing before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. The Bill, as it stands, is quite vague in this regard. The amendment, which clearly states the matters that can be examined by the committee, has been proposed in the interests of full accountability, which should be one of the cornerstones of the Bill. That is one of the difficulties we have. The amendment seeks to ensure that proper questions can be asked and proper answers will be received when representatives of the health service executive attend a meeting of the joint committee. The people in question should be aware of the matters on which they can be questioned and the committee should know what matters it can cover.