Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senator Henry's comments. Provisions relating to business plans are normal in legislation relating to public bodies. While I accept the need for greater governance requirements, I do not want the Medical Council to be tied up with endless bureaucracy. I have not accepted some of the amendments proposed on Committee Stage, such as an amendment that would compel the council to make available information on the latest medical developments, etc., because it would be impossible for the council to complete such a bureaucratic task. We have got the balance right. I do not think the council has a problem with this provision. It has not raised any issues with me in this respect.