Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I accept the amendment was tabled in the Dáil and I thank the Minister of State for reminding the House that the legislation has been many years in gestation. The Government has been dragged kicking and screaming to this point and people are still dissatisfied with the legislation. The Minister of State has accepted significant work must be done to appoint all the necessary professionals to provide the services required. How long will it take to appoint the necessary therapists?

I am concerned that if a five-year timeframe is provided for the review of this sensitive legislation, which has been long fought for, the pressure will not be kept on the Minister or Government of the day. The Opposition would best serve those who need services by demanding a three-year review, which would result in a great deal of pressure on the Government to deliver. I accept much must be delivered but significant work must be done to ensure services, which are absolutely necessary, are delivered.

As Opposition Members, we are not doing our duty if we let the Government off the hook and agree that it does not have to conduct a review for five years. My amendment would be better as it would provide that the review should be conducted within three years so that the Government of the day would have to deliver or own up to its failure to do so. Five years is a long time to wait for those who have not been provided with services if the legislation fails them. Reducing the timeframe, therefore, will ensure people have the right to a review within three years if they do not receive the service they want. It will ensure the Government of the day will be put under pressure to provide services. We are beginning this process and I accept it will take time because not enough qualified professionals are available to fill all the positions that will be needed. While I accept the Minister of State's argument, it is our duty to ensure that he delivers and my amendment would help to achieve that.