David Norris (Independent)

The Minister of State, although of very pleasant demeanour, is not giving very much to the Seanad. There was a slight chink that indicated she might consider some aspect of the principle. I am a little disposed to calling a vote but I will relent and leave the matter to Report Stage if the Minister of State can indicate she will consider some of the substance of what was said. For example, I referred to the apparently exclusionary effect of having a list. In Bill after Bill we are told not to add items to lists because it would appear to exclude other categories. Section 7(7) includes a brief list followed by the phrase, "or any combination thereof". This suggests the addition of any other specialised expertise is not contemplated. It is noticeable there is no mention of social workers. Senator Fitzgerald and I have proposed the inclusion of references to social workers at different points in this section. Can the Minister of State reassure Members about this? Social work is a professional area which is very helpful in assessments.

If the Minister of State can give an assurance that she will look again, charitably, at what has been said by Senators and, perhaps, promise a further review on Report Stage, we may not be inclined to push for a vote. On the other hand, there is always that possibility. I do not suggest there will not be any votes. There may be some later on.