David Norris (Independent)

We will return to the substance of some of these matters in later amendments. With regard to the multidisciplinary aspect, I am not aware of any occasion in the Bill where the phrase "multidisciplinary team" is employed. Perhaps the Minister of State will point to a passage where the term is used as I may have overlooked it. I note her skilful advisers are searching through the Bill. It will be interesting to ascertain whether they have found a case of the term being used as it would provide Senators with an opportunity to examine it.

We should not have a completely gilded view of the services currently available. My distinguished colleague, Senator Callely, referred to St. Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park and suggested Senators should visit the facility. He also noted that somebody had spoken about the hospital in less than glowing terms - I believe it was in the other House - and when questioned on the matter it transpired the person in question had not been to the hospital for 30 years. I have been to St. Mary's Hospital in the past two years and I raised conditions in it on the Adjournment. I pay tribute to the remarkable professional devotion shown by its staff. Some aspects of the hospital have been renewed and I understand that process is continuing, which I welcome.