Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Yes, that is why a specific reference can be made in this regard to regulations, as has happened in the past. It is not necessary to amend the legislation because the board may seek the views of any person or party it feels may have information and that would include health experts. The practice was to make regulations to prescribe bodies for the purpose of consultation which, in this case, were the health boards but the reference will be to the HSE and that is the most appropriate method of dealing with a specific issue. I accept the Senator's comment that it is an important issue but it is more appropriate to specify bodies in regulation, which will achieve the same purpose as his amendment, and that is my intention.