Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Senator Terry will be aware of my arguments. I appreciate she is trying to be helpful in this case. I also appreciate the general welcome given to the legislation on all sides. The amendment proposes that a series of persons may notify the Minister that an offence has occurred. These persons are listed as a personal advocate; a qualifying person; members of a qualifying person's family; a carer; or any combination of the persons mentioned. The proposal is too restrictive because under the current provisions, anyone may make a complaint or notify the Minister of an offence. It will be the obligation of a personal advocate or qualifying person to notify the Minister of any issues arising in the normal course of their duties.

I am nervous about prescribing a list of people because it omits many others and, as such, would not meet the intended objective. I encourage anybody to notify the Minister or board in the event that difficulties arise at any stage. For this reason, it is better to leave open the question of which persons may notify the Minister.